The Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department, informed Election Commission of India today that there is no major concern with regard to heat wave for phase 2 of the General Elections scheduled on 26th of this month. At a meeting today between ECI, IMD, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Head of Department, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the DG said that 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 had convened the meeting 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 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.

Heat wave advisory and Assured Minimum Facilities at Polling Booth 🔆⚠️#ECI #IMD #HeatWave #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/J4ioqvyTyV

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 27, 2024