Polling personnel trudging to SreeKhola, highest and farthest pt

Darjeeling, Apr 16 : In all 64 polling personnel today left this town to report to the highest and farthest polling booths for the 1st phase of elections to 54 Assembly seats on Monday in six northern districts of West Bengal.
Of the 16 remotest polling booths, falling under Darjeeling and Kalimpong Assembly constituencies, Sree Khola polling station is at highest and farthest point of about 2080 mts above sea level.
Inspector General, North Bengal, Ranvir Kumar said police escort has been provided to help the polling officers reach Sree Khola, about 110 kms north-west of Darjeeling town.
After 100 kms of vehicular trip, the polling personnel would have to trek some 10 kms though the terrain of Indian and Nepal borders.
The polling materials would be carried on the back of the mules.
Polling booth at Sree Khola Primary school has no electricity, and no potable water facility. About 778 tribal voters, including 358 females, would cast vote on traditional ballot papers between 0700 hrs to 1500 hrs.
Another highest point polling booth in Darjeeling segment is Dara Gaon, 2060 mts above sea level, where 1139 electors, including 546 women, would start trekking overnight to cast ballot.

Dara Gaon is also 110 kms north of Darjeeling town where basic amenites for the people are missing because of its remoteness and hilly terrain.

--UNI