IMD forecasts normal weather for phase 2 of Lok Sabha Poll
ECI constitutes task force to watch heat conditions before every phase of the
poll
Commission holds meeting with IMD, NDMA and MoHFW
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 26 April. 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 Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.