The Election Commission of India has fashioned a task force to overview the influence of heat waves forward of every polling part as the temperatures continue to soar in a number of areas throughout the nation. According to an official launch, “A task force comprising officials from ECI, IMD, NDMA and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will review the impact of heat waves and humidity five days before each polling phase for any concerning developments and mitigatory measures, if necessary.”
The ballot physique held a gathering with involved businesses and in addition mentioned measures to mitigate any threat due to sizzling climate conditions during the Lok Sabha elections. According to an official launch, “Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed the ECI that there is no major concern with regard to the heat wave for Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 26.”
“The Director General of IMD informed that the weather forecast is normal for the 13 states and UTs going for polls in Phase 2,” mentioned the discharge. As per the discharge, “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 assembly, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar together with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, was attended by the 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 Commission directed MoHFW to situation crucial directions to well being authorities in states to put together for and prolong help in case of heatwave conditions affecting election operations.
The launch additionally mentioned that the Commission will maintain a separate overview with state CEOs to guarantee satisfactory preparations at polling stations, together with shamiyana, ingesting water, followers, and different assured minimal amenities, and many others., as per its current advisory dated March 16, 2024. “IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities shall be carried out amongst the public for precautionary measures (dos and don’ts) to mitigate the heat wave impact in polling station areas,” it mentioned.
The Commission has been carefully monitoring the climate stories and can make sure the consolation and well-being of voters, polling personnel, safety forces, candidates and political occasion leaders. Keeping in view the seriousness of the matter, the Commission had already issued an advisory on April 16, to all CEOs relating to “Prevention of Heat Wave Impact” together with the Commission’s standing directions relating to the assured minimal amenities at polling stations for strict compliance by all CEOs within the States and UTs. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the NDMA have additionally issued advisories and tips on mitigating the danger of heat wave-related points earlier.MoHFW has additionally directed all states to put together a state motion plan as a part of their public well being advisory.
(With inputs from PTI)
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