New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired an important meeting to review preparations for heatwave management and monsoon preparedness in which he stressed on the need to take all measures to avoid deaths due to heatwave or fire incidents.

During the meeting, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) briefed about the persistence of high temperatures in March-May 2022 across the country, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

In view of the upcoming monsoon, PM also stressed on thr stringent monitoring of water quality and directed officials to take imperative measures to avoid contamination and spread of diseases.

Apart from these, various aspects of wheat supply, stock and exports were also discussed. He directed officials to take all steps to ensure quality norms and standards so that India evolves into an assured source of food grain and other agricultural products.

The crucial meeting was held hours after Modi returned from his three-day visit to Germany, Denmark and France.