Lucknow: Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh Navdeep Rinwa said that the Election Commission of India has given instructions to make comprehensive arrangements for the Lok Sabha General Elections-2024 and Assembly by-elections which are being held during the scorching summer of April-June months. He has given instructions to ensure protection from heat wave of voters like senior citizens and disabled persons as well as personnel engaged on election duty.
The Chief Electoral Officer directed all the District Election Officers to timely identify the polling places located in the heat wave areas in view of the prediction made by the Meteorological Department (IMD) regarding the heat wave and on the basis of the local climate pattern. For this, ensure timely completion of necessary facilities at polling places to reduce the impact of heat wave. To protect voters from the sun, there should be adequate shady structures including tents, umbrellas and chairs at such polling places. To maintain comfortable temperature for voters and polling personnel, equipment like fans or misting fans should also be installed, wherever necessary. Also, there should be adequate ventilation at all polling places. Arrangements for cold drinking water must be made at all polling places.
During the election process, information about proper procedures to identify the symptoms of heat-related diseases and prevent them should also be given in the training session organized for the polling station personnel. To reduce the impact of heat wave, maintain coordination with local government agencies, health departments and emergency services along with additional resources. During this period, various communication channels including public announcements and social media should be widely disseminated regarding safety rules to protect the general public from heat waves.
