Snowfall forces admn to revise poll strategy

The recent snowfall in the higher ranges of Garhwal has forced the administration to revise its poll strategy with the apprehension of a drastic rise in the number of weather sensitive booths if the weather turns worse. Arvind Moudgil reports.

The recent snowfall in the higher ranges of Garhwal has forced the administration to revise its poll strategy with the apprehension of a drastic rise in the number of weather sensitive booths if the weather turns worse.

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The sudden change of weather has upset all the preparations of the administration to conduct the polls efficiently. Though many booths were already identified for being weather sensitive yet the record snowfall at various places has shown that the administration has to come up with much more preparation to take on the inclement weather, which is very much predictable.

According to MC Upretti, district returning officer, Pauri, 43 polling booths were identified in the district for being weather sensitive but the recent snowfall has affected not less than 136 polling booths and if the Buakhal and Khandusen highways are blocked, it will affect about 300 booths. Instructions have been issued by the district administration to stock the diesel and procure the machines to clear the snow by Jan 26.

Snowfall was wide spread this year. Pauri, that did not experience snow last year, was more than compensated this year.