Candidates set to feel the heat as temperatures soar in Karnataka

BENGALURU:

Campaigning

, especially

roadshows

and

the door-todoor variety

, is not going to be easy for Lok Sabha candidates this time round in Karnataka. Temperatures in most regions of the state have peaked and 85% of the state’s land area is experiencing a maximum temperature of 36°C and above, according to data collated by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC).


The temperature has crossed 40°C in 10% of the land area making it extremely hot. With temperatures peaking right at the beginning of summer, the state government is set to issue a heat wave advisory for district administrations to take necessary precautions.

GS Srinivasa Reddy, KSNDMC director, told TOI the prolonged dry spell caused by lack of rain is the reason for the heat. “In Koppal, the maximum temperature has broken past records for the month,” Reddy said. “After August 2018, the state hardly received any rain, resulting in dry weather. We expect mercury levels to rise further and hope the monsoon sets in early so that we get some respite from the blazing sun.”

The data shows that out of 1.9 lakh sqkm of Karnataka’s landmass, more than 1.6 lakh sqkm are experiencing maximum temperatures of 36°C and above. Apart from districts in North Karnataka, some parts of South Karnataka including district such as Ramanagara, Chitradurga, Tumakuru and Kolar are also scorching.

Heat wave advisory

Reddy said KSNDMC and the revenue department will issue a heat wave advisory in a couple of days, so that respective district administrations can prepare to tackle the problem.

“Thankfully, Karnataka has not witnessed any deaths like in neighbouring states,” Reddy said. “One reason could be the changed office hours in North Karnataka districts where it is hotter. Also, the advisories from the government, which call for proper drinking water management, shelter at workplaces including MGNREGA sites and storing of fodder for cattle are among the reasons why there have been no casualties.”