<span style="color: #222222;">Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has said, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) are working with 23 States to develop Heat Action Plans.  <br />''<br />''Regarding the effect of Heat Waves on Livestock, he said, the heat action plans are being developed in the States prone to high temperatures leading to heat-wave conditions. Dr. Singh said this in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.<br />''<br />''The Minister said, as per studies, the stress induced due to the heat waves increases respiration and mortality, reduces fertility, modifies animal behavior, and suppresses the immune and endocrine system, thereby increasing animal susceptibility to some diseases.<br />''<br />''He said, the Heat Action Plan is a comprehensive early warning system and preparedness plan for extreme heat events.<br />''<br />''Dr. Singh added that as an adaptive measure, IMD in collaboration with local health departments have started heat action plans in many parts of the country.<br />''<br />''He said, it is to forewarn about the heat waves and also advising action to be taken during such occasions. Heat waves are one of the severe weather phenomena for which IMD issues early warning.</span><br />