Challenges and Preparations for Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Challenges and Preparations for Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024

| District | Constituency | Booth Location | Distance to Booth | Number of Voters | Special Arrangement |
|—————–|——————|———————|——————-|——————|———————|
| Chamba | NA | Distant Booth 1 | 13 km (walk) | 183 | – |
| Chamba | NA | Distant Booth 2 | 13 km (walk) | 135 | – |
| Kangra | Baijnath | Remote Booth | 3-day trek | 65 | Heli-transport |
| Kangra | Fatehpur | Remote Booth | 5.5 km (boat) | 97 | Boat |
| Lahaul-Spiti | NA | Highest Booth | 15,256 ft | 52 | – |

This table provides an elaboration of the polling booth locations in various constituencies of Himachal Pradesh, including details such as the district, constituency, specific booth location, distance to the booth, number of voters, and any special arrangements made for accessing remote booths.

The Election Commission has announced the dates for the Lok Sabha elections across the country. In the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh, the voting is scheduled for June 1st, marking the seventh and final phase of the electoral process. Despite the challenging terrain, the Election Commission has initiated preparations to conduct the elections smoothly.

More than 50,000 employees have been deployed to facilitate voting at 7,990 polling booths across Himachal Pradesh. Some booths in remote areas like Chamba district require polling parties to trek over 13 kilometers to reach the polling stations. In areas like Bharmaur and Kutheda, polling teams have to undertake a 13-kilometer journey on foot due to inaccessible roads.

In Kangra district, reaching the polling booths in the Bada Bhangal region poses a significant challenge. If helicopters cannot land due to adverse conditions, polling parties must embark on a three-day trek to reach these remote areas. Similarly, the Fatehpur constituency under the Kangra district requires polling officials to rely on boats to cross the river and then trek approximately 5.5 kilometers to reach the polling booth located atop a hill near the Pong Dam.

In Lahaul and Spiti district, a polling booth has been set up at an elevation of 15,256 feet, making it the highest polling station in the world with only 52 eligible voters.

The Chief Electoral Officer, Manish Garg, emphasizes the Election Commission’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections, ensuring every citizen’s right to vote. Despite the logistical challenges faced by polling parties, the Election Commission remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the principles of democracy.With meticulous planning and determination, the Election Commission of Himachal Pradesh aims to conduct the Lok Sabha elections with integrity and fairness. Every voter will have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process, reaffirming the core values of democracy.

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