Last week, the
Election Commission announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. The counting of votes is set to take place on June 4.
The IMD warned that the country is likely to witness extreme temperatures during April.
Taking a cue from the IMD advisory, the EC has issued several instructions to ensure hassle-free polling during the long hot summer.
It has asked chief electoral officers to see to it that all polling stations have separate exits and entrances. The polling booths must be set up on the ground floor of a building to expedite the aged and disabled voters. There must be sufficient provision for drinking water inside the booths.
All the voting booths must have proper tables, chairs, and benches for polling parties, and polling agents, disabled, pregnant, or senior citizens, the EC has stated. There must be proper lighting inside the polling booths.
It also mandated that polling stations must have separate toilets in sufficient numbers for both male and female voters. One employee has to be deployed for the maintenance of hygiene in the toilets throughout the day, the order said.
EC: Dos and don'ts
Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12-3 pm.
Carry water while travelling.
Use sunglasses, umbrella/hat, shoes or chappals.
Use a damp cloth to cool down.
Avoid strenuous activities when temperatures are high.
Drink enough water as often as possible.
Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, porous cotton clothes.
Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body.
Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.
Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles
Drink ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, rice water, lemon water, buttermilk, etc which helps to rehydrate the body.
If you feel ill/ show symptoms of fainting, please see a doctor immediately.(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
