As temperatures rise and India prepares for the summer heat, the Central government has directed States to review their preparedness for the upcoming heatwaves.
As per reports, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has called on Chief Secretaries of all states and Advisors of all Union territories to "manage the health impacts of the extreme heat."
“With the onset of summer, some parts of the country have already begun experiencing high temperatures. An increase in heat exposure, including extreme conditions, may occur," said the Health Secretary.
As per the official letter, health departments across all states and UTs have been ensure "sensitization and capacity building of personnel and ensure fire NOC compliance of health facilities."
“Health facilities need to enhance their resilience to heat by ensuring uninterrupted electricity for the continuous operation of cooling appliances and reducing indoor heat through cool/green roofs,” the official letter added further.
IMD Predicts 'Double Heatwave'
As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), northwest India is set to experience a double heatwave.
Speaking to news agency ANI, IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy stated that the region may experience double the usual number of heatwave days. Northwest India, which usually faces five to six heatwave days, may witness 10 to 12.
"We are expecting slightly above-normal heatwave conditions, especially over West and Central India. Generally, Northwest India sees around 5 to 6 heatwave days. This year, we expect 10 to 12 days, which is double the normal," Roy told ANI.
In 2024, India recorded a total of 544 heatwave days, making it the hottest year in the nation's history.
