Amid heatwave gripping nation, IMD says no worries during 2nd phase of Lok Sabha polls

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has allayed fears of a possible heat wave sweeping through the 13 States/UTs that would be going for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 26.

The IMD told the Election Commission of India (ECI) that there is no major concern regarding the predicted heat wave during the 2nd phase of the parliamentary elections as the weather forecast for all the 13 States/UTs going for polls is normal.

Along with other parts of the country, 7 Lok Sabha seats from the Northeast are also going for voting in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

In Assam, the second phase of elections will be held in the 5 Lok Sabha seats of- Silchar, Karimganj, Diphu, Nagaon, and Darrang-Udalguri. In Manipur, the Outer Manipur constituency going for elections. Polling will also be held for the Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency on April 26.

In view of reports of above normal temperatures and heat waves in certain parts of the country, the Commission today held a meeting with concerned agencies to understand the developing weather situation and discuss measures to mitigate any risk due to hot weather conditions during the period of the Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar.

In the meeting held today, it was decided to constitute a task force comprising officials from ECI, IMD, NDMA and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, which will review the impact of heat wave and humidity, five days before each polling phase for any concerning developments and mitigatory measures, if necessary.

Other decisions taken in the meeting include-

Commission directed MoHFW to issue necessary instructions to health authorities in states to prepare for and extend assistance in case of heatwave conditions affecting election operations.

The Commission will hold a separate a review with State CEOs to ensure adequate arrangements at polling stations including shamiyana, drinking water, fans, and other assured minimum facilities, etc. as per its existing advisory dated March 16, 2024.

IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities shall be carried out amongst the public for precautionary measures (Do’s & Don’ts) to mitigate the heat wave impact in polling station areas.

On April 16, the Commission had already issued an advisory to all CEOs regarding “Prevention of Heat Wave Impact” along with Commissions standing instructions regarding Assured Minimum Facilities at polling stations for strict compliance by all CEOs in States/UTs.