Uttar Pradesh

• 17 Jun 2024

Power Demand in UP Reaches High

Why in News?

According to the Grid India Power Supply Report, Uttar Pradesh achieved the first position in the country by supplying 28,889 megawatt (MW) of electricity, surpassing states like Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Key Points

• The power demand in Uttar Pradesh reached its highest ever due to the severe heatwave conditions and rising temperatures in the state.
  • Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan met demands of 24,254 MW, 24,231 MW, 16,257 MW, and 16,781 MW respectively. 
• Uttar Pradesh's Power Department set a national record for the highest power supply during peak hours, demonstrating its strong energy infrastructure in the face of increasing demands.

Heat Waves

• Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather that can cause adverse impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy.
• India, being a tropical country, is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves, which have become more frequent and intense in recent years.
• India Meteorological Department (IMD) Criteria for Declaring Heat Wave in India:
  • Heat waves need not be considered till the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
  • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition.
    • Further, an increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered a severe heat wave condition.
  • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C, then an increase of 4°C to 5°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition. Further, an increase of 6°C or more is considered a severe heat wave condition.
    
    • Additionally, if the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, a heat wave is declared.

Uttar Pradesh Flood Management Programme

Why in News?

Recently, Uttar Pradesh has launched extensive preparations to safeguard the state from potential flooding. 

• He has directed officials to create a strong flood management plan, highlighting quick relocation steps for residents and livestock to safer areas.

Key Points

• The state administration has divided Uttar Pradesh into three flood management zones: 29 highly sensitive districts, 11 sensitive districts, and 35 normal districts. 
  • Teams consisting of officials from irrigation, agriculture, and animal husbandry departments are closely monitoring these areas.
• In order to enhance readiness, seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 18 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and 17 Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) teams have been strategically stationed.
  • 400 committed individuals known as 'Aapda Mitras' and 10,500 volunteers have been prepared by the state government to assist in case of emergencies. 
  • In addition, a detailed flood readiness guide has been provided to all districts to enhance preparedness.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

• It is an Indian specialised force constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• The responsibility of managing disasters in India is that of the state governments. The ‘Nodal Ministry’ in the central government for management of natural disasters is the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• It refers to trained professional units that are called upon for specialized response to disasters.

Aapada Mitra Programme

• About:
  • It is a Central Sector Scheme that was launched in May 2016. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the implementing agency.
  • It is a programme to identify suitable individuals in disaster-prone regions who can be trained to be first responders in times of disasters.
• Aim:
  • To provide the community volunteers with the skills that they would need to respond to their community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster thereby enabling them to undertake basic relief and rescue tasks during emergency situations such as floods, flash-floods and urban flooding.