Heatwave the real ‘wave’ in final leg

Hubballi/Ballari: As the mercury soars, shooting the discomfort index through the roof, it will perhaps not be an exaggeration to say that the heatwave is the only real “wave” that party workers and the candidates have to grapple with in the Dharwad parliamentary constituency.

Over the past several days, the district has experienced a surge in the mercury level, with temperatures exceeding 41 degrees Celsius. Meteorological experts expect this heatwave to persist for an additional seven-eight days, thereby further compounding the difficulties faced by all those involved in campaigning.

With rains over the last two days bringing some relief to Bengaluru, the Kalyana Karnataka districts, located 300 km away from the capital, have turned into furnaces.

The scorching summer sun has severely affected seven districts, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius. Red alerts have been issued in Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari and Vijayanagara.

In Hubballi, as a result of the oppressive heat, political parties are struggling to organise large events and rallies.

“Political parties are finding it difficult to organise mass events because of the persistent heatwave. Most events are being organised in the evening,” said Mohan Chitale, a local political analyst.

Raksha Ramaiah, Congress observer for Hubballi-Dharwad Central constituency, said with just the last few days of campaigning left, party workers are having a tough time, trying to reach out to the public in this sweltering heat, while making sure they stay hydrated and seek enough protection from a blazing sun.

Commenting on the prevailing scenario, Pralhad Joshi, Union minister, said on Thursday: “Today, at Shirur, Byalyal and other villages in Navalgund taluk, a large number of people had gathered in the afternoon [for a political meeting]. I personally requested them to avoid the heatwave, but they insisted that I visit the neighbouring villages because a large number of people were waiting,”

Yielding to pressure from party workers, Joshi continued campaigning. “To stay fit, I am drinking a lot of water, as well as tender coconut water, frequently,” Joshi added.

Dr Ravi Patil, agrometeorologist, UAS, Dharwad, said a heatwave alert had been issued in many districts of Kalyana Karnataka and in some of the other districts as well, where the mercury has already crossed 45 degrees Celsius. In other areas, the temperature is expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius.

“People, particularly senior citizens, should try to avoid going out between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., and drink water frequently. The situation is set to continue until May 6,” Patil added.

Situation worsens in

Kalyana Karnataka

In Kalyana Karnataka, the heatwave intensified since last Wednesday. On that day, a temperature of 46.7 degrees Celsius was recorded in Kalaburagi and Raichur districts, 46.1 in Yadgir, and 45 degrees Celsius in Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara districts. The weather forecast indicates that this situation will continue until May 9. The DCs of most of these districts have issued warning messages. Koppal DC Nalin Atul announced that various types of illnesses are likely to occur due to extreme heatwaves or excessive temperatures. Similar warning messages have also been issued by Ballari, Vijayanagara and Raichur DCs. Residents have been advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and cool amid the heatwave. Authorities have urged citizens to stay hydrated and minimise prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

No wonder, extreme temperatures have disrupted election campaigning, as the intense heat makes it challenging for campaigners to reach out to voters, like in most other parts of the state.


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