 "People stand in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station during the last phase of state assembly election in Varanasi in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, on 7 March 2022. Reuters File Photo")
India is bracing for a blistering and dry summer. As the nation heads to polls this month, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a surge in heatwaves in most parts of the country between April to June.
The weather agency on Monday (1 April) warned that India will witness extreme heat this year, with central and western peninsular regions suffering the most. “For the month of April 2024, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country,” the IMD said in a press release.
The forecast has prompted questions about the effect on voter turnout in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the Assembly polls in four states – Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
What has the IMD predicted? Will extreme temperatures affect voter turnout? What is being done to ensure voter safety? We explain.
IMD’s heatwave forecast
Heatwaves lasting 10 to 20 days, unlike the normal four to eight days, are expected between April and June, per the IMD.
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Saurashtra-Kutch, Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are likely to record extremely high day temperatures and heatwaves this summer.
“Most regions in the country will experience above-normal maximum temperatures during the summer season this year. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, northern Odisha, adjoining Gangetic West Bengal and eastern India regions could experience normal or below normal temperatures,” Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general, IMD, was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsGujarat, central Maharashtra and north Karnataka are most vulnerable to heatwaves, followed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, north Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, reported Deccan Herald (DH).
The IMD has warned the heatwave spells will be higher than normal in the three months.
Andhra Pradesh, Saurashtra-Kutch, Maharashtra and western regions of Madhya Pradesh could witness heatwaves lasting two to eight days against the normal one-three days in April.
Some regions may have some respite from the scorching heat, such as parts of the western Himalayan region and north eastern states, where normal to below normal maximum temperatures are predicted.
Will heatwaves affect voter turnout?
There are concerns that extreme temperatures could impact voter turnout, especially in regions where the condition is projected to be severe.
Union minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju on Monday urged stakeholders to take precautionary measures amid IMD’s warning.
“It is going to be very challenging for all of us. Since we are the most populous country in the world and face extreme weather conditions, it makes it absolutely necessary for India to prepare in advance,” he was quoted as saying by Times of India (TOI).
India will hold Lok Sabha elections in seven phases from 19 April to 1 June. The counting of votes will take place on 4 June.
“During the election in India, people will come out for election rallies, meetings…..There will be heavy activity all across the country,” Rijiju said.
More than 97 crore voters – 49.7 crore male and 47.1 crore female – are eligible to exercise their franchise at 10.5 lakh polling booths being set up across the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.
According to a Daily Pioneer report, studies have shown heatwaves are expected to breach all previous records this summer during the electoral process.
Political observers have warned that longer spells of heatwave may affect voter turnout, making it a challenge for political parties to bring electors to booths, reported DH.
Waiting in the queue for long amid sweltering heat could be a difficult task for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women and the specially-abled.
As per the EC data, there are 88.35 lakh eligible specially-abled voters.
“People with disabilities (PwD), elders and those with serious ailments but keen to exercise their right to vote at the polling booth will likely face tough times during the scorching heat in most of the States where high heatwaves are predicted,” a campaign strategist from a political party told Daily Pioneer.
At 67.47 per cent, India saw its highest voter turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, a 1.03 per cent rise from the 2014 figure. However, the voter turnout was below 70 per cent in many states in 2019 that are currently under the heatwave threat, such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi, among others, reported DH.
What is being done for voter’s safety?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has planned various measures to ensure voter safety during the cruel summer heat.
Last month, the poll body issued an advisory to Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to prevent the impact of heatwaves on voters.
The ECI has directed that polling booths have to be set up on the ground floor of a building for the convenience of elderly and disabled voters. These booths must have separate entrances and exits, reported Business Standard.
Facilities such as drinking water, shade and medical kits have to be available at polling stations.
There must be separate toilets for male and female voters at polling stations, and their hygiene must be maintained, Business Standard reported.
“A handbill on ‘Dos and Don’ts’ in case of heat stroke may be prepared and supplied to each of the polling parties. An appeal to the electors may be issued to carry wet towels to protect themselves against dehydration and also advise women electors to avoid bringing children along with them to polling stations during hot weather conditions,” as per the ECI’s order.
As per Business Standard, the election body has called for providing proper tables, chairs, and benches for polling parties and agents, as well as disabled, pregnant, and senior citizens.
Each polling party will get Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) for their use and the voters’.
ELectors can take their own steps to stay safe when they are outside during blistering heat. They can carry refreshing drinks like nimbu pani to keep themselves hydrated while waiting for their turn to cast their vote. Stay covered, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and use umbrellas to beat the heat.
Voters can try to cast their ballot in the early morning hours and avoid the afternoon time when temperatures are highest.
With inputs from agencies