The Election Commission met with a number of stakeholders on Monday, including representatives from the Meteorological Department, in reaction to predictions that indicated above-average temperatures and heatwaves in several regions of the nation.
The conference, which was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, was intended at discussing ways to reduce the risks related to heatwaves during the present Lok Sabha polls. The topic of preparation and preventive measures was central to the conversation, since six more phases of the seven-phase election process remain to be held countrywide.
Representatives from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Management Authority, and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare participated in the meeting. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at IMD, highlighted the organization’s collaboration with the Election Commission, providing forecasts and inputs regarding heatwaves and humidity levels in areas scheduled for elections.
Earlier, on April 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a meeting to assess preparedness for the impending heatwave season. During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the temperature outlook for April to June 2024, with projections indicating above-normal maximum temperatures, particularly in Central India and western peninsular India. Preparedness in the health sector, including the availability of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, and drinking water, was also reviewed.
IMD’s updated Seasonal Outlook for April to June 2024 reiterated the likelihood of above-normal maximum temperatures, particularly in central India and western peninsular India. Mohapatra further emphasized that while some parts of the western Himalayan region, northeastern states, and north Odisha may experience normal to below-normal maximum temperatures, the risk of heatwaves persists.
Discussing the impact of heatwaves, Mohapatra underscored the heightened risks faced by vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures by authorities, including the establishment of cooling centers, issuance of heat advisories, and implementation of strategies to mitigate urban heat island effects.
As the Lok Sabha elections progress, with the first phase already concluded, attention remains on ensuring voter safety amidst challenging weather conditions. Subsequent phases are scheduled for April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, aligning with the phased approach adopted in the 2019 general elections.