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New Delhi: Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, conducted a comprehensive review of India's readiness to tackle potential floods and heatwaves. He instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to assess how many states are adhering to the established guidelines for managing forest fires, heatwaves, and floods, as reported on Sunday.

During the meeting, Shah emphasized the necessity of incorporating at least 60 lakes into a strategy aimed at creating an early warning system for 30 lakes identified as high-risk in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, with assistance from the NDMA.

He also advocated for a unified flood forecasting system to be established at both the national and state levels.

Shah proposed the formation and activation of Flood Crisis Management Teams (FCMTs) in every state across the nation.

He noted that the NDMA's guidelines for disaster management have significantly raised awareness and fostered a 'Whole of Government' approach. However, he stressed that a review of compliance at state, district, and municipal levels could enhance their effectiveness.

The Union Minister urged the NDMA to evaluate how many states are following the directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the NDMA's guidelines regarding forest fires, heatwaves, and floods.

The meeting included participation from Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, various Ministry Secretaries and senior officials, NDMA members and department heads, as well as Directors General from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Officials from the India Meteorological Department, the National Highways Authority of India, the Central Water Commission, and senior representatives from the National Remote Sensing Centre were also present.

Shah reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, there should be a concerted effort to realize the vision of Zero Casualty Disaster Management.

He highlighted the need to explore greater opportunities for water conservation and groundwater enhancement through projects focused on water storage and check dams.

The goal should be to conserve water by constructing check dams along rivers while simultaneously reducing the effects of heatwaves.

Additionally, Shah mentioned that the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority Fund should be utilized to promote a more multidimensional approach to environmental balance.