Amid reports of heat-related fatalities among polling staff, Uttar Pradesh's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa has directed district authorities to implement extensive protective measures at polling stations. This directive aims to safeguard both personnel and voters from the ongoing scorching heatwave as the state prepares for the final phase of polling on Saturday.
Reports indicate that thirteen polling personnel in Mirzapur district succumbed to conditions exacerbated by high fever and high blood pressure due to the extreme heat. An additional twenty-three individuals were hospitalized. In Sonbhadra district, two more election duty personnel died, and nine others fell ill, likely due to heatstroke, according to a senior official on Friday.
In response, CEO Rinwa has called for comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safety and well-being of those at polling booths. His statement emphasized the need for cold drinking water, adequate shade, fans, and seating, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and disabled voters.
"To combat the heatwave, polling stations must have ample supplies of ORS and medical kits, readily available to paramedics and ASHA workers at every polling center and voting site," Rinwa stated. "Paramedic personnel should be deployed with the sector magistrate, and emergency ambulance services in the districts should be on standby to respond quickly to any incidents at polling centers."
Rinwa also underscored the importance of public awareness regarding heatwave safety measures. He urged voters and polling personnel to wear light cotton clothing and use caps, umbrellas, or white cotton towels to shield themselves from the sun. Additionally, he advised carrying water bottles and consuming plain water, lemonade, or ORS as needed.
To further mitigate the heat's impact, Rinwa instructed volunteers to provide water to voters waiting in queues and encouraged voters to visit polling stations early in the day before temperatures peak. Nearby shops and general stores selling bottled water have also been encouraged to remain open on polling days to assist voters.
