Hotter than normal summer expected in 2023; States, UTs asked to be adequately prepared
New Delhi, March 14: Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba directed all states and union territories (UTs) on Tuesday to be adequately prepared to meet the associated challenges, noting that the summer of 2023 is expected to be hotter than normal.
Gauba issued the directive while chairing a meeting to review summer preparations and mitigation measures.
"Since a hotter-than normal summer is expected in 2023, States and UTs need to be adequately prepared to meet the associated challenges," Cabinet Secretary noted.
Gauba, on the other hand, stated that the Central Ministries and Departments have been working closely with the States and UTs to ensure optimal preparedness levels and timely mitigation measures.
He asked Chief Secretaries to meet with the relevant Departmental Secretaries and District Collectors to assess readiness for a possible heat wave.
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Gauba requested that advisories issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) be translated and widely disseminated in regional languages.
The Cabinet Secretary also emphasised the importance of basic preparations such as hand pump repair, fire audits, and mock drills, and assured the states that Central agencies will continue to closely coordinate with them and be available for assistance as needed.
Secretaries from relevant Central Ministries, Departments, and Chief Secretaries from states and UTs across the country were present.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) gave a presentation on global weather phenomena and temperature forecasts for March to May 2023.
There was also a forecast for the second two weeks of March 2023.
The IMD forecasted above-normal maximum temperatures for most of North-East, East, and Central India, as well as some parts of North-West India, for the period March to May 2023.
The IMD also stated that minimum temperatures are more likely to be above normal in most parts of the country, with the exception of South Peninsular India, where temperatures are likely to be normal to below normal.
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- ANI
