As India gears up for its upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the world’s largest democratic exercise starting from April 19 to June 1, a significant challenge looms large for voters and political parties: The onslaught of scorching summer heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued warning about the expected severity of high temperatures during the crucial April to June period, particularly impacting central and western regions of the country.
In the April-June period various parts of the country could record 10 to 20 heat-wave days compared to the normal four to eight days, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of the IMD, told a virtual news conference here on Monday.
With nearly 97 crore eligible voters, concerns arise not only for voter turnout but also for the well-being of vulnerable voters like those with disabilities and elderly populations amidst the sweltering heat.
As election campaigning has already begun, many political parties are also chalking out strategies on how to bring the voters to the electoral booth to cast their votes in case heat becomes unbearable as predicted by the IMD.
“People with disabilities (PwD), elders and those with serious ailments but keen to exercise their right to vote at the polling booth will likely to face tough times during the scorching heat in most of the States where high heatwaves is predicted,” said a campaign strategist from a political party.
As per the EC there are around 88.35 lakh voters under the PwD category.
Voters will be exposed to the heatwaves and will need to take precautions according to the various advisories already issued, said Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Earth Sciences.
“During the election in India, people will come out for election rallies, meetings.....There will be heavy activity all across the country,” Rijiju, however, expressed confidence.
As per the IMD head, above-normal maximum temperatures are anticipated across most of India during this period, with central and western peninsular regions likely to face the most severe impacts.
Various studies have already flagged concern that heatwaves are likely to breach all previous records this summer during the electoral process.
The EC has already issued a heatwave advisory in a proactive measure to safeguard voters and polling personnel during the forthcoming summer season.
It has directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all States and Union Territories to implement necessary measures to mitigate heat wave impact. The commission, in its advisory, has reportedly underscored the importance of adhering to the guidelines provided by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
These guidelines include refraining from outdoor activities, especially between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm, to minimise exposure to the scorching sun while individuals are urged to stay hydrated by consuming ample water and to avoid consuming stale food to prevent dehydration and related health issues.
In a bid to ensure the well-being of voters and polling staff, the commission has instructed CEOs to guarantee basic facilities such as access to drinking water and adequate shade at all polling stations, the move deemed essential to safeguard against the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly during the electoral process.
The IMD has warned that regions such as Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to be significantly affected by heatwaves.
In April specifically, above-normal maximum temperatures are predicted for most parts of the country, particularly central and south India.
However, some relief is expected in parts of the western Himalayas, northeastern States, and north Odisha, where normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are forecasted.
The IMD anticipates two to eight days of heatwave conditions in central India, northern plains, and southern India during April, compared to the normal range of one to three days.
However, Mohapatra said, there is no heatwave warning for wheat producing States, except Madhya Pradesh.
“Temperatures are around 37-40 degrees Celsius in Madhya Pradesh at present and are likely to go up to 42 degrees next week. Since 90 per cent of the wheat harvesting in the State is over, there will be no effect,” he said.
Even if temperatures go above 35 degrees, there will be no impact in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, he added.
