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Amit Shah Reviews Preparedness for Heatwaves and Floods

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed India's preparedness for heatwaves and floods, emphasizing proactive disaster management. He directed the NDMA to study state compliance with guidelines for forest fires, heatwaves, and floods. Shah called for an early warning system for 30 high-risk lakes in Himalayan states and integrated flood forecasting at central and state levels. He also stressed the vision of "Zero Casualty Disaster Management" under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Key Points: Amit Shah Reviews Heatwave, Flood Preparedness

  • Amit Shah reviews disaster preparedness for heatwaves and floods
  • Directs NDMA study on state compliance with guidelines
  • Plans early warning system for 30 high-risk lakes in Himalayan states
  • Calls for integrated flood forecasting and Flood Crisis Management Teams
3 min read

Home Minister Amit Shah reviews preparedness to deal with heatwaves, floods

Home Minister Amit Shah reviews NDMA guidelines compliance for heatwaves, floods; directs early warning system for 30 high-risk lakes, flood forecasting integration.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts must be made to implement the vision of Zero Casualty Disaster Management. - Amit Shah"

New Delhi, May 10

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the country's preparedness to deal with potential floods and heatwaves and directed an National Disaster Management Authority study to find out how many states are following the guidelines for dealing with forest fires, heatwaves and floods, an official said on Sunday.

Addressing the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah said that at least 60 lakes should be included in the plan to develop an early warning system for 30 high-risk lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim with the support of the NDMA.

The Union Minister also said that there should be an integrated system for flood forecasting at both the Centre and state levels, a statement said.

He added that Flood Crisis Management Teams (FCMTs) should be constituted and activated in every state of the country.

He said that the guidelines issued by the NDMA for disasters have led to better awareness and the development of a "Whole of Government" approach, but reviewing compliance with these guidelines at the state, district, and municipal levels can further strengthen their implementation.

Union Minister Shah added that the NDMA should conduct a study to assess how many states are following the Ministry of Home Affairs' directives and the NDMA guidelines for dealing with forest fires, heatwaves, and floods.

The meeting was attended by the Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, the Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Secretaries and senior officials of various Ministries, members and heads of departments of the NDMA and the Director Generals of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

It was also attended by officials of the India Meteorological Department, the Chairpersons of the National Highways Authority of India and the Central Water Commission, as well as senior officials from the National Remote Sensing Centre and other concerned departments.

"The Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts must be made to implement the vision of Zero Casualty Disaster Management," the statement added.

He added that greater possibilities for water conservation and improvement in groundwater levels should be explored through water storage and check dam projects.

Our objective should be to conserve water by constructing check dams on rivers while also minimising the impact of heatwaves.

Union Minister Shah said that the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority Fund should be utilised to make efforts aimed at maintaining environmental balance more multi-dimensional.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Good to see NDMA studying compliance. Actually, in our village in Maharashtra, the forest fire guidelines are just lying in some file. Nobody even knows about the early warning systems for heatwaves. The check dam idea for water conservation is great for drought-prone areas too. Hope Shah ji actually ensures states follow up on these directives. 👍
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Michael C
As someone who worked on disaster management in the US, I appreciate the integrated flood forecasting approach. India's geography is unique with the Himalayas and coastal regions - early warning for those 30 high-risk lakes in J&K and Ladakh is crucial. But the real test will be during monsoon season. Let's hope NDRF gets better equipment too.
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Ritu A
Only if states cooperate! I'm from Kerala and after 2018 floods, we've improved a lot locally. But many states just ignore central guidelines. Shah ji's idea of using CAMPA funds for environmental balance is clever - at least some money will go to real afforestation instead of vanishing in corruption. But please include local communities in planning, not just officials.
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Vikram M
Heatwaves are killing people in Bihar every year - last week 10 died in Muzaffarpur. The guidelines are fine on paper, but what about real solutions like cooling centers, power backup for hospitals, and tree plantation drives? Also, these FCMTs need to be trained by NDRF, not just some local volunteers with no gear. Accountability is key here!
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Emma D
Interesting that they're focusing on high-risk lakes - glacial lake outbursts are

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