EC and IMD ensure voter safety amid heat wave concerns for Phase 2 of Lok Sabha polls

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reassured the Election Commission that the upcoming second phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 26 will not face major heat wave concerns. IMD Director General, Mrutunjay Mohapatra, stated that the weather forecast is normal for the 13 states and Union Territories participating in this phase.

To address concerns over rising temperatures potentially impacting voter turnout, the Election Commission conducted a meeting with relevant agencies to understand the developing weather situation and discuss mitigation measures. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar chaired the meeting, which included officials from the ECI, IMD, NDMA, and MoHFW.

A task force comprising officials from ECI, IMD, NDMA, and MoHFW will review the impact of heat waves and humidity five days before each polling phase. The task force will assess any concerning developments and recommend mitigatory measures if necessary.


The EC directed the MoHFW to issue necessary instructions to state health authorities to prepare for and provide assistance in case of heat wave conditions affecting election operations. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities will be carried out among the public to understand the do's and don'ts to mitigate the impact of heat waves in polling station areas.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring weather reports closely to ensure the well-being of voters, polling personnel, security forces, candidates, and political party leaders. The EC had issued an advisory to all CEOs regarding the prevention of heat wave impact and assured minimum facilities at polling stations for strict compliance.

The EC will hold a separate review with state chief electoral officers to ensure adequate arrangements at polling stations including tents, drinking water, fans, and other assured minimum facilities as per its recent advisory.

Information, education and communication activities will be held for the public for do's & don'ts to mitigate the heat wave impact in polling station areas, the EC said.

"The Election 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," it said.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and NDMA have also issued guidelines to mitigate the risk of heat wave-related issues, emphasizing the importance of state action plans in their public health advisories.

(With inputs from PTI)