Amit Shah reviews India's flood and heatwave preparedness, orders NDMA compliance study
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reviewed India's preparedness to deal with potential floods, heatwaves, and forest fires, directing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to assess how many states are complying with existing disaster management guidelines. The high-level meeting, held in New Delhi, brought together senior officials from multiple ministries and national agencies to evaluate the country's readiness ahead of the monsoon and summer seasons.
Key Directives from the Home Minister
Addressing the meeting, Shah called for expanding the early warning system for high-risk glacial lakes, stating that at least 60 lakes should be included in the plan — up from the current target of 30 high-risk lakes. The expanded coverage would span Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, with NDMA support.
The Home Minister also stressed the need for an integrated flood forecasting system operating at both the Centre and state levels. He further directed that Flood Crisis Management Teams (FCMTs) be constituted and activated in every state across the country.
NDMA Compliance Study Ordered
Shah directed the NDMA to conduct a comprehensive study to determine how many states are actively following the Ministry of Home Affairs' directives and NDMA guidelines for dealing with forest fires, heatwaves, and floods. He acknowledged that NDMA guidelines have improved awareness and fostered a
