Three-tier communication network for tribal areas

Three Assembly constituencies in Himachal’s tribal-belt—Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Bharmaur—going to polls on November 14...

Three Assembly constituencies in Himachal’s tribal-belt—Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Bharmaur—going to polls on November 14, will have a three-tier, fully-operational communication network in place, beside one helicopter ready for all contingencies like snowfall on or before the polling day.

Though the past metereological data, collected by the Election Commission for all high altitude polling stations between 8,500 feet to 1,5000 feet, indicate no major problems on weather front, the emergency plan for polling has already been chalked-out.

The state has been advised by the EC to keep all its 43 helipads in the region ready for any emergency. For the first-time, police personnel deployed at the polling booths have been allowed to use their personal mobile phones. They will be reimbursed the entire cost of the calls made during their poll duties.

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Chief Electoral Officer Manisha Nanda said, “Telephone service providers have been asked to ensure congestion-free access to all areas in the tribal belt. Wireless communication network of police and satellite phones will also be put to use.” There are 42 wireless links already available and another 190 are being added for the elections. In all, 298 wireless stations will be working round-the-clock to provide a stable communication network.

“By this weekend, policemen deputed on election duties will start moving to polling areas. Sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling booths will get additional deployment and also better connectivity,” DGP Ashwani Kumar said. The highest polling booth —Hikkam, at a height of 15,000-foot—in Spiti will be connected by wireless.

“My standing directions are that polling parties must move on November 11, at least three days before the polling. Sufficient number of EMVs have also been made available for the polling,” said Nanda. She asserted that the EMVs have been tested and recommended for use in extremely low temperatures.

The DGP said one company of the ITBP has been made available for the tribal areas. They will assist the local police on the polling day, though their specific task will be guarding the EVMs.

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