Is India ready for an election in extreme heat?

In less than two weeks, Indians will vote in a sprawling seven-phase Lok Sabha election that starts on April 19 and ends on June 1.

While general elections have always been held in summer, this year the Indian Meteorological Department has forecast higher than average temperatures and almost double the number of heatwave days in this period – 10-20 days, as against four-eight days seen every summer.

Political workers campaigning in this heat, voters who attend large political rallies to hear leaders speak, and those who will queue up at polling booths – all risk exposure as they take part in one of the world’s biggest democratic exercises.

Is India prepared for an election in extreme heat conditions?

Scroll analysed IMD data to indicate how states voting in the first and second phases of election will be affected by the heat. On both days of voting – April 19 and April 26 – constituencies spread across north, western and central India may see temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius.

We spoke to experts who underlined the health risks involved for party workers and voters, and argued for clear, detailed directions from the Election Commission and health authorities.

So far, the Union health ministry has issued an advisory regarding mass gatherings. The Election...

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