The Prime Minister received updates indicating that according to the forecasts by IMD, regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are expected to endure the relentless heat wave. Contrary to this, most parts of the country are anticipated to witness a normal to above-normal monsoon, except for certain regions in Peninsular India, where it might be below normal, as conveyed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Emphasizing the need for proactive measures, PM Modi directed for rigorous drills to prevent and manage fire incidents. He stressed the importance of conducting fire audits and electrical safety inspections regularly, especially in hospitals and other public spaces. Additionally, he urged for systematic maintenance of fire lines in forests and maximizing the utilization of biomass.
The Prime Minister was briefed about the efficacy of the “van agni” portal in timely detecting and addressing forest fires. Present at the meeting were key officials including the Principal Secretary to the PM, Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, DG NDRF, Member Secretary of NDMA, and other senior officials from PMO and relevant Ministries.
As the country grapples with scorching heatwaves, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed at least 56 heatstroke-related deaths across multiple states. Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon made its onset along the Kerala coast and progressed into parts of northeast India earlier than usual, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
This year’s Monsoon arrival precedes its usual schedule by two days, with Kerala witnessing widespread pre-monsoon showers. Notably, in 2023, the country received rainfall during the monsoon season (June-September) that amounted to 94 per cent of its long-period average.