Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review preparedness for the ensuing summer and mitigation measures in New Delhi. Secretaries of Central Ministries, Departments and Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories prone to heat wave conditions were present. During the meeting, India Meteorological Department made a presentation on the global weather phenomena and the temperature outlook for the period from March to May this year. In its temperature outlook, IMD informed that above normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of North-East, East and Central India and some parts of North-West India.<br />'' <br />''During the meeting, Mr. Gauba noted that since a hotter-than-normal summer is expected in 2023, States and UTs need to be adequately prepared to meet the associated challenges. He said that Central Ministries and Departments have been closely engaging with the States and UTs to ensure optimal preparedness levels and for implementing timely mitigation measures. He requested Chief Secretaries to review the preparedness for a likely heat wave with the relevant Departmental Secretaries and the District Collectors. The Cabinet Secretary stressed the importance of basic preparations such as repair of hand pumps, fire audit and mock drills. He assured the States that Central agencies will continue to closely coordinate with them and will continue to be available for necessary assistance.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">During the meeting, Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Ministry informed that as on date the Rabi crop condition is normal and the production of wheat is expected to be about over 112 million tonnes, the highest ever. He further informed that Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has constituted an Expert Committee headed by Agriculture Commissioner to monitor and mitigate terminal heat stress in Wheat.</span><br />