THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With rising temperatures coinciding with the assembly election season, Kerala is set to introduce a heat management protocol that focuses on cooling arrangements in polling booths, hydration, emergency medical support and protection for staff and activists. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) will submit a standard operating procedure (SOP) to the Election Commission this week.
The state has been reeling under extreme heat since February, with temperatures soaring above 40 °C in some places and the UV index reaching alarming levels in some districts. On Wednesday, the UV index in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki ranged between 8 and 9, warranting extreme caution.
According to official data, Kerala reported around 1,700 heat-related illnesses and five deaths due to extreme heat in 2024, and so far this year, 72 cases have been reported. “Exposure to extreme heat has serious health consequences. Our aim is to minimize the risks during the election process,” KSDMA member-secretary Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose told TNIE.
“While we cannot impose restrictions on political parties, PSV will maintain strong advice on safer campaigning practices,” he said. KSDMA will urge political parties to ensure availability of potable water and promote protective measures such as hats, caps and shade covers. The advisories will also recommend taking frequent breaks and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.
In addition, the state has decided to implement short-term mitigation measures during the summer, such as setting up drinking water kiosks. District collectors have been allocated Rs 1 crore each to implement heat mitigation measures, with local bodies tasked with carrying out these interventions on the ground.
