Ranchi:

As high temperatures are expected during the Lok Sabha polls in Jharkhand, comprehensive measures have been taken to mitigate the impact of the heat wave on voters, officials and security personnel.

An election official said the measures included extending voting hours, erecting makeshift shacks, providing oral rehydration salts and lemonade, and deploying medical teams and ambulances.

The elections will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with Jharkhand going to polls on May 13, 20, 25 and June 1 for its 14 seats.

With more than 2.55 billion eligible voters, including 1.25 billion women, increasing voter turnout during a heat wave poses a major challenge to both states and the Election Commission.

In 2019, Jharkhand’s overall voter turnout was 66.8%, which was lower than the national average of 67.4%.

To address this, measures have been taken such as extending polling hours from 7am to 5pm and providing temporary shelters at polling stations.

Additionally, facilities such as drinking water, ORS, lemonade with salt and sugar will be provided and medical teams to handle emergencies will be stationed at each polling station.

Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K Ravi Kumar assured that the arrangements are aimed at ensuring the safety and convenience of voters during the polls.

The CEO said they have taken several initiatives to reduce the impact of heatwave conditions on their constituents.

“Considering the safety of voters, we have extended the voting hours. Polling will begin at 7 am and end at 5 pm. This means voters can exercise their franchise in the morning or the second half as per their convenience. To spread awareness in this regard, we The slogan ‘Abki Baar, Din Bhar Matdaan’ will be launched soon,” Kumar told PTI.

Temporary sheds of 15×15 feet have been erected at all stalls in the state. “This time all polling stations will be provided with permanent and temporary sheds for voting parties and voters,” he said.

In addition to providing drinking water facilities at the booths, oral rehydration salts and lemonade with salt and sugar will also be arranged at some booths.

“Two employees will also be deployed to provide drinking water at all stalls. We also plan to retain clay pots used for drinking water as much as possible,” Kumar said.

The polls will be held at a total of 29,521 polling stations, up from 29,464 in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

State health department officials said medical teams will be deployed at each polling station to respond to emergencies. Mobile ambulances and air ambulances will also be on standby for emergency needs.

Mr. Kumar said, “Paramedics will be deployed at every polling station and they will be equipped with medical kits that will include life-saving drugs, ORS and other required medicines. Mobile ambulances and air ambulance facilities will also be provided to provide emergency Services.” “PTI SAN MNB RG

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)