Election Schedule: Weather Conditions Should Be Factored In, Says Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

New Delhi: India Meteorological Department (IMD) chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra cautioned on Sunday that the country will be in the grip of intense heat wave during the Lok Sabha election period.

Mohapatra emphasised the importance of factoring in weather conditions and climate when planning for elections.

“Authorities should consider weather and climate conditions when planning massive exercises like one nation, one election, Mohapatra told PTI.

The die is cast, though, for the 18th Lok Sabha polls.

Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on March 16 that Lok Sabha polls will be held across India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, while counting will take place on June 4 – bang in the middle of summer.

One week into the month of April, this summer is already turning out to be quite an oppressive one.

Odisha on Sunday experienced some relief after an intense heatwave over the past few days, with Bhubaneswar having sizzled at 43.5 degrees Celsius on Friday.

But that is only going to be a temporary phase as IMD has predicted a high number of heatwave days in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh over the next few weeks.

IMD has been providing specialised forecasts to help authorities prepare better.

“If people are in the queue, they should have sufficient water to drink. There should be a provision for first aid and health workers to help if people faint or suffer from sunstroke and there should be shade. This is the minimum requirement in terms of preparations,” Mohapatra said.

However, Mohapatra said that the weather department hasn’t proposed any changes in the timings of public rallies and voting.