Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Apr 12: In a significant development, the first batch of 189 polling officials and 69 Police personnel were airlifted today from the district headquarters to the snow-bound pockets of Marwah and Warwan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. Kishtwar falls in Udhampur- Kathua Parliamentary Constituency, which is going for poll on 19th April. 12 Candidates are in contesting from the constituency.
Marwah- Warwan – Machail are the remotest areas of Kishtwar District, normally remains cut off during 3-4 months of winter season. These areas receive 5 to 10 feet snow fall during winter. There are total 34 Polling stations in these snow cut off areas of the District. The challenging terrain, particularly the road connectivity via Sinthan and Margantop at an altitude of 12,500 feet above MSL, poses transportation challenges due to heavy snowfall.
Preparations are in full swing, with elaborate security measures in place, including the deployment of Indian Air Force’s Mi-17 helicopters for transportation of polling officers and the establishment of helipads. The airlifting operation being conducted by three IAF helicopters, is a collaborative effort between the Election Commission of India, and the Indian Air Force.
The day before, 188 security personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) were dispatched to ensure the security of polling staff, intermediate strong rooms etc.
District Election Officer Dr. Devansh Yadav has made the arrangement, with supervision and approval of Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole for the safe transportation of polling parties, election logistics, and materials to 34 polling booths, including 19 in Marwah and 12 in Warwan and 4 in Machail. Taking into account the weather forecast issued by the IMD, these advance departure of Polling Parties, security personnel, EVM and other material has been done. Political Parties have been informed in well advance of the movement of person and material. Even they were invited to witness the movement, if they wishes to do so. Five intermediate strong rooms have been established for the secure storage of EVMs, enhancing the efficiency of the electoral process.
This concerted effort aims to facilitate maximum voter turnout and uphold the democratic values enshrined in our electoral process. The administration remains dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot without hindrance.
The dispatch of polling staff will continue in a phased manner, prioritizing the far-flung areas, snow pockets like Marwah, Warwan, Machail etc., through airlift and ensuring an effective and foolproof transportation plan for other areas as well through coordinated and comprehensive efforts.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
