India braces for intense heat wave conditions during election period

PTI

New Delhi, April 1

India is likely to experience extreme heat during the April to June period with central and western peninsular parts facing the worst impact, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday as the country prepares for the mammoth seven-phase general election starting April 9.

Addressing a press conference, Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju said India is anticipated to experience extreme weather conditions in the upcoming two-and-a-half months and this coincides with the general election in which around a billion people are expected to exercise their franchise.

"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 said.

The anticipated increase in outdoor activities during the 2024 general election, which will take place in seven phases between April 19 and June 1, could heighten public vulnerability to heat waves, according to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director general of meteorology at the IMD.

With greater exposure, there's an elevated risk of heat wave-related health issues among the electorate and poll staff, he said.

The IMD chief said above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in the April-June period, with a high probability over central and western peninsular India.

Above-normal heatwave days are likely over most parts of the plains during the April-June period. Ten to 20 days of the heat wave are expected in different parts of the country against the normal of four to eight days, he said.

Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience the worst impact of heat waves, Mohapatra said.

The intense heat could strain power grids, impact winter-grown crops and result in water shortages in parts of India.

Mohapatra, however, said the increase in temperatures will not have any impact on the harvest-ready wheat crop.

"Even if temperatures go above 35 degrees Celsius, there will be no impact in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

"Temperatures are around 37-40 degrees Celsius in Madhya Pradesh at present and are likely to go up to 42 degrees next week. Since 90 per cent of the wheat harvesting in the state is over, there will be no effect," he said, citing data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 

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