The forecast by the IMD of a torrid summer with temperatures a significant 1ºC higher than normal is a timely note of caution to the Centre, and particularly to state governments in the northern states and parts of Maharashtra and Telangana which are in the Met’s heat wave zone. It also cautions power generation companies and the water sector so that they can prepare to face the huge demand caused by air-conditioners and other power-guzzling equipment.
Special efforts will have to be made by health organisations and the government to save people, particularly the poor, from the ravages of the heat and reduce the huge number of deaths that occur every scorching summer. Last year more than 2,500 people succumbed to the heat wave in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The Met has attributed this heat wave to the El Nino effect of the last two years. Though it is weakening, it said the years that follow the El Nino years see torrid summers. The silver lining is that this year normal rains are expected.
This would be a boon for agriculture, rural India and the lakes. Large parts of India had experienced deficient rainfall in the last two years and this caused widespread rural distress. It is hoped that the government and the people concerned will see that adequate measures are taken to ensure that the farmers get adequate good-quality seeds for their crops, timely agricultural credit, adequate facilities for storage, and that recalcitrant officials are punished.
