World’s highest polling station in Himachal’s Spiti gets snow day before voting; EC eyes 100% turnout
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The world’s highest polling station, Tashigang, located in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, is bracing for an election day under challenging conditions.
Situated at an altitude of 15,256 feet in the Spiti Valley, just 10 km from the China border, the station experienced light snowfall on Friday, bringing temperatures down to -1 degrees Celsius.
Despite these conditions, the Election Commission (EC) is determined to achieve a 100 per cent voter turnout.
This election day, Tashigang will host both the Assembly by-election and the Mandi Lok Sabha seat election simultaneously. The polling station was first established for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, serving 47 voters. The number increased to 52 in the 2022 Assembly elections and has now reached 62 voters, comprising 37 men and 25 women.
Previously, Hikkim, also in Spiti Valley, held the record for the highest polling station at 14,567 feet. Assistant Election Officer Rahul Jain has congratulated the polling team at Tashigang and emphasised the goal of achieving complete voter turnout. Jain has also instructed the team to ensure all basic amenities are available at the booth, which will welcome voters in a traditional manner with food arrangements in place.
The polling station’s remote location and harsh weather pose significant challenges. Nonetheless, the commitment of the polling teams is evident. They have navigated treacherous terrains across various districts to ensure voting accessibility. In Chamba district, the team reached Alhami polling booth after a steep 15 km climb.
To access Chask Bhatori booth in Pangi, situated at 11,302 feet, an 8 km trek was required. Another team walked 11 km to Chakki booth in Bhattiyat under the Kangra parliamentary constituency.
In Kullu, employees trekked 18 km to Shakti, the most inaccessible polling booth. After navigating a disaster-damaged road, the polling party reached Bashawal in Ani subdivision. For Bara Bhangal in Kangra, a helicopter was utilised due to its remote location. In Shimla district, the team climbed a steep 3 km to Nanti polling station in Rampur. Additionally, the polling party crossed the Sutlej river on a hanging bridge to reach the alternative polling station Magaan in Karsog.
