 "heatwave")
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up a task force to review and mitigate the impact of the heatwave on the Lok Sabha elections, the top poll body announced on Monday, amid extreme weather conditions in several parts of the country, especially in the eastern region.
The announcement comes ahead of the second phase of polling on April 26. The first phase held on April 19 witnessed a dip in voter turnout from 69.9 per cent in 2019 to 65.5.
"A task force comprising officials from the ECI, the India Meteorological Department, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) will review the impact of heatwave and humidity, five days before each polling phase for any concerning developments and mitigatory measures, if necessary," ECI said in a statement.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar and ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. It was attended by the Additional Secretary at MoHFW, Head of the Department at NDMA and the Director-General of Meteorology at IMD.
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG of Meteorology at IMD, informed the ECI that there was no major concern about a heatwave for the second phase of polling in 13 states and Union territories.
ALSO READ: LS polls: EC holds meeting to discuss measures to mitigate heatwave risks
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The ECI also directed the MoHFW to issue necessary instructions to state health authorities to prepare them in advance, and also extend assistance in case the heatwave conditions affect the election operations.
The commission also said it would hold a separate review with state chief election officers (CEOs) to ensure adequate arrangements at polling stations, including tents, drinking water, fans, and other minimum facilities.
"The commission has been closely monitoring the weather reports and will make sure the comfort and well-being of voters along with polling personnel and security forces, candidates and political party leaders," it said.
Earlier, the IMD said that above-normal maximum temperatures were likely over most parts of the country between April and June. The second phase of polling will be held on April 26, and the remaining phases will be on May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1.
In March, the ECI issued a heatwave advisory to all CEOs listing several measures for the elections. It included suggestions like tent arrangement, paramedical staff and transport facilities for senior citizens.
"IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities shall be carried out amongst the public for precautionary measures (Do’s & Don’ts) to mitigate the heatwave impact in polling station areas," ECI said.
On April 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review preparedness for the heatwave. He was briefed about the temperature outlook from April to June 2024 including the forecasts for the upcoming hot weather season. The health ministry has also directed all states to prepare a state action plan as part of their public health advisory.
