HP elections: MeT dept gives Oct weather forecast to EC
SHIMLA: Following a request by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the MeT department on Saturday submitted a report on weather forecast for poll-bound Himachal Pradesh for the next one month.
This comes as a precautionary move in anticipation that adverse weather may affect polling in the state.
In the last two days, the state has witnessed unusual rains and snow in the middle and upper reaches. This has reportedly forced the administration to tread cautiously.
Chief election commissioner Achal Kumar Joti will be in Shimla on Sunday to take stock of the poll-preparations.
He will be accompanied by election commissioners Om Parkash Rawat and Sunil Arora.
“During its two-day visit, the poll body will hold meetings with district election officers, police, nodal officers and others,” said an ECI spokesperson.
“The MeT department has submitted a report on the weather pattern for October and November in last four years, along with a forecast for the next four weeks,” said director of regional MeT centre, Manmohan Singh.
Adverse weather can make poll-preparedness cumbersome in Lahual and Spiti, Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla and Chamba districts, as many polling stations therein are located in remote pockets.
Chief secretary VC Pharkha has also issued directions to make elaborate arrangements for the elections.