NDMA and IMD to work on Heat Action Plans.

Why in News?

• NDMA and IMD are working with 23 States to develop Heat Action Plans.
• The Government has said that the National Disaster Management Authority and India Meteorological Department are working with 23 States to develop Heat Action Plans. Earth Science Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said this in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

Where heat action plans are being developed?

• The heat action plans are being developed in the States prone to high temperatures leading to heat-wave conditions.

Effects of Heatwaves:

• As per studies, the stress induced due to heat waves;
• Increases respiration and mortality,
• Reduces fertility,
• Modifies animal behavior, and
• Suppresses the Immune and endocrine systems.

About Heat Action Plan

• The Heat Action Plan is a comprehensive early warning system and preparedness plan for extreme heat events.
• The Plan presents immediate as well as longer-term actions to increase preparedness, information-sharing, and response coordination to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.
• Heatwave is one of the severe weather phenomena for which IMD issues an early warning.

Successful example of Heat Action Plan: Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan

• The Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan was unveiled in 2013.
• It has brought down heat wave linked deaths by up to 25%.