As India prepares for the second phase of its general elections on April 26, concerns loom large over the impact of scorching temperatures on voter participation.
Parts of four states - West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are expected to struggle with a heatwave during polling day, prompting the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take proactive measures to mitigate risks.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heatwave conditions in various regions across the country, with particularly severe conditions anticipated in certain pockets.
Naresh Kumar, a senior scientist at the IMD highlighted the impending red alert for West Bengal and cautioned about soaring temperatures in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The heatwave predictions have raised concerns about their potential impact on voter turnout, especially after a noticeable dip was observed in the first phase of polling on April 19.
Amid these concerns, the ECI has taken proactive steps to address the challenges posed by the heatwave.
A dedicated task force, comprising officials from the IMD, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has been formed to assess the situation and implement necessary measures.
In a recent meeting with the IMD and representatives of the Health Ministry, the ECI discussed strategies to mitigate the impact of heatwave conditions on election operations.
The commission has instructed the health ministry to issue directives to state health authorities to prepare for and provide assistance in case of heatwave emergencies affecting polling stations.
The ECI plans to convene meetings with Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the concerned states to review arrangements at polling stations, including provisions for shading, drinking water, and fans, aimed at alleviating the discomfort caused by high temperatures.
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