The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in Delhi are urging for essential cooling amenities at polling booths on election day, May 25, due to soaring temperatures and a red alert issued by the weather department. Polling for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi is set to take place under extreme heat conditions.
B S Vohra, president of East Delhi RWAs, expressed concerns about health risks. “The capital is on red alert, and stepping out to vote in this heat poses significant health risks. The temperature has already reached 45 degrees Celsius. That’s why we are demanding basic arrangements like coolers, fans, cold drinking water, and doctors for emergencies to prevent mishaps,” he said.
Sanjay Gupta, president of the RWA in Model Town, highlighted the challenges faced by senior citizens. “In our area, most residents are senior citizens. For them, stepping out to vote in this heat will be tough. We are encouraging people to vote in the morning. However, basic arrangements must be in place,” Gupta said. He mentioned a meeting scheduled for May 23 to discuss further actions and ensure necessary measures are implemented on polling day.
Earlier this month, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer P Krishnamurthy assured the public that adequate arrangements, including drinking water and shaded waiting areas with coolers, would be made at polling stations. The Delhi CEO directed officials to provide essential medical kits and other supplies at every polling station.
“IMD has predicted that the heatwave will likely be more intense. We held a meeting with all stakeholders and took certain initiatives. We have to strengthen these arrangements at the polling stations. We have asked our field officers to set up coolers, fans, and cold drinking water facilities,” Krishnamurthy said.
Additionally, arrangements have been made for pick-up and drop-off facilities for persons with disabilities and senior citizens, with a total of 8,000 volunteers and 3,500 wheelchairs available at the polling stations to facilitate their participation.
Delhi has seen a steady rise in temperatures recently. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heatwave conditions in many parts of the city, with maximum temperatures expected to range from 44 to 47 degrees Celsius over the next week.