Journey against tide to keep votes flowing at Dabali Chapori booth

Guwahati: In Majuli, reaching a polling station is not just about distance — it is a test of resolve. For election officials heading to Dhanekhana polling station in Dabali Chapori under the Majuli LAC, ensuring that every vote is cast begins with a journey that starts days in advance and stretches across rivers, roads, and isolation.

Polling personnel set out one or two days in advance, depending on the weather.

Dhanekhana’s booth-level officer (BLO) said, “Starting from Aphalamukh Ghat in Majuli, the team boards a ferry to Nimati Ghat in Jorhat district, then proceeds towards Disangmukh Ghat near Sivasagar district, eventually reaching the remote Dabali Chapori, located about 100km from Majuli’s administrative headquarters.”

According to him, Dhanekhana LP School houses the only polling station serving residents of Dabali Chapori. Accessing this school is a seasonal challenge. During winters, officials rely on a narrow bamboo bridge connecting the settlement to the polling location.

“With the onset of the monsoon, rising waters of the Brahmaputra submerge the bridge. In such conditions, boats become the primary mode of transport. After crossing, the team must travel another two or three km, often by tractor over uneven terrain,” said BLO Dutta.

Dabali Chapori is home to 249 voters, though turnout usually hovers around 200.

The polling station at Dhanekhana LP School has no electricity, forcing officials to rely on solar panels for basic lighting and essential arrangements. Despite these limitations, officials ensure the station is adequately prepared to uphold the democratic process.
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