Lok Sabha Elections 2024: EC Task Force Reviews Heatwave Impact; IMD Reports 'Normal' Weather For Second Phase

Amid an intense heatwave during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a review of the heatwave and humidity impact was called for by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday, with the constitution of a task force scheduled to conduct this assessment five days before each polling phase.

Notably, Despite the heatwave and adverse weather conditions including pouring rain in some areas, high voter turnout was recorded during the first phase of the General Elections 2024 across 21 States/Union Territories in the first phase of Lok Sabha Election. Voters, supported by the Assured Minimum Facilities provided by the ECI at every polling station, demonstrated resilience and patience, with a tentative figure of over 60% voter turnout reported by 7 PM, as reported by PIB.

Photo Credit: PTI

EC Task Force Reviews Heatwave Impact

However, as we move towards summer and the second phase of the Lok Sabha Election on Friday, the ECI has been informed by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) that there is no "major concern" regarding the heatwave, and the weather forecast is deemed "normal."

Chaired by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar, along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Directorate General of Meteorology from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Setting up the task force was among four key decisions made at the meeting, with officials from the poll panel, IMD, NDMA, and MoHFW being part of it, according to the Election Commission.

Additionally, the poll body directed the Health Ministry to issue necessary instructions to prepare for conditions affecting election operations. It also decided to convene a separate review meeting with state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to ensure adequate arrangements such as "shamiyana" (tents), drinking water, fans, and other essential facilities for polling stations.

The ECI also decided to conduct awareness activities among the public regarding precautionary measures (Do's and Don'ts) to mitigate the heatwave impact in areas with polling booths. "The Commission has been closely monitoring weather reports and will ensure the comfort and well-being of voters, polling personnel, security forces, candidates, and political party leaders," it stated.

The Lok Sabha elections began last Friday and will be conducted in a total of seven phases. Following the second phase, voting will take place on May 7, 13, 20, 25, and June 1. The counting of votes for all 543 constituencies is scheduled for June 4.