Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi, P Krishnamurthy, on Friday convened a high-level meeting to discuss preparations for the anticipated heatwave conditions on the polling day. With a focus on ensuring the safety and comfort of citizens and smooth voting processes across the national capital, stakeholders were briefed about various measures to be taken.

 This crucial meeting chaired by CEO marked the presence of various stakeholders including representatives of different departments namely Municipal Corporation Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi Cantonment Board, Directorate General of Health Services, Delhi Jal Board,  Department of Women & Child Development, Directorate of Education and  Department of  Social Welfare.

 During the meeting, CEO, Delhi directed the concerned stakeholders to ensure that adequate arrangements are made in all polling stations so that no voter feels any kind of discomfort due to projected heat wave conditions while casting their vote on the polling day.

In response to the heat wave forecast by Indian Metrological Department (IMD), Krishnamurthy has taken proactive measures to equip every polling station with safe drinking water, proper shaded waiting areas with air coolers, essential medical kits and supplies.

 The CEO also directed the local bodies and health department to provide requisite paramedical staff equipped with essential medicines including ORS at each polling location in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, on the day of polling.

With 13,637 polling stations at 2,627 locations to be set up in Delhi and over one lakh personnel engaged for the Lok Sabha polls, Krishnamurthy affirmed his commitment to conduct free, fair, and accessible elections. Further, arrangements have been made for pick-and-drop facilities for differently-abled and senior citizen voters to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.  All stakeholders assured the CEO, Delhi that they will provide all required facilities to each polling location.

Nearly 1.47 crore  voters in Delhi will have to bear the searing heat when they step out to exercise their franchise on May 25. The impact of the hot weather and heatwave conditions is not limited to business and the economy,but even politicians are worried about the heat The extreme weather conditions in the summer may lead to fewer people coming out to vote. It will become a matter of concern for the parties as well as candidates.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already predicted above normal temperature during the poll day on May 25.