Beat the heat : Large gatherings, political or not, must be avoided in summer

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of an increase in heatwaves, with Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra particularly at risk. This year's heightened concern coincides with the election period, raising fears of public health impacts similar to past incidents of heat-induced ailments during political gatherings. Despite Election Commission advisories, practical measures for cooling at polling stations remain inadequate. The repeated suggestion to schedule elections during cooler months has yet to be adopted, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to address the risks associated with rising temperatures.

Key Points:

• Increased Heatwaves: IMD predicts a rise in heatwave incidents, attributing it to El Niño effects and broader global warming trends.

• Election Concerns: The overlap of election activities with peak heatwave periods poses significant public health risks, as evidenced by past events with serious health consequences.

• Advisory Measures: The Election Commission has issued general advisories for heat management during polls, but these lack specific measures for effective cooling at polling stations.

• Election Timing: Suggestions to hold elections during cooler months have been made but not implemented, highlighting a gap in addressing climate-related health risks in electoral planning.

Additional Insights:

• The repetitive nature of IMD's warnings about hotter summers and the tangible impacts of climate change underscore the urgency of integrating environmental considerations into public and electoral planning.

• The health risks associated with heatwaves, especially during mass gatherings like elections, call for a more proactive approach in public safety measures, beyond mere advisories.

• The discussion around adjusting election schedules to avoid peak heat periods reflects a broader challenge of adapting traditional practices to the realities of climate change, necessitating innovative solutions.

Keywords Explained:

• Heatwave: A period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate countries.

• El Niño: A climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather and climate.

• India Meteorological Department (IMD): The principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology in India.

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 08 April 2024

Link to the article (might require a paid subscription) : https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2024-04-08/th_international/articleGPSCL2F3B-6390522.ece

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