Matribhumi Samachar English
DG IMD today informed Election Commission that there is no major concern with regard to heat wave for phase 2 of the General Elections scheduled on 26th of this month. The weather forecast is normal for the 13 States/UTs going for polls in Phase 2. 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 General Elections.
The meeting chaired by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was attended by Additional Secretary Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Head of Department, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and DG Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The following decisions were taken during the meeting:
- A task force comprising officials from ECI, IMD, NDMA and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will review the impact of heat wave and humidity, five days before each polling phase for any concerning developments and mitigatory measures, if necessary.
- 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.
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.
Background:
Keeping in view the seriousness of the matter, the Commission had already issued an advisory dated 16.03.2024 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.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and NDMA have also issued advisory/guidelines on mitigating the risk of heat wave related issues earlier. M/o Health & Family welfare has directed all states to prepare a state action plan as part of their public health advisory.
