Poll officials trek to state’s remotest booth at 7.5k ft

Darjeeling: Polling personnel in Darjeeling set out on a 16-hour journey to reach Samden, located 78 km from Darjeeling at an altitude of over 7,500 feet, to conduct polling at what is considered West Bengal's last polling booth with 191 registered voters.The polling team began its movement from the district collection centre, combining a long road journey with an 8-km trek through steep, forested terrain. Parts of the route were covered on foot, while ponies were used to ferry personnel and election materials across difficult stretches.Darjeeling SDO Banomali Roy said polling parties were dispatched with detailed logistical planning in place. "The polling parties have left for Ramban polling station, which is being used as an intermediate temporary storage point. From there, they will proceed towards Samden Forest Primary School under Bijanbari block and will reach their destination the next day," said Roy.Roy said security arrangements were ensured for the team undertaking the journey. "There are 191 voters at the booth, and all necessary security measures have been put in place to ensure smooth polling," he added.Ishan Bomzon, working at the Income tax department and part of the polling team, described the poll duty as a unique experience. "Horses will be used—I have heard about it, but this is my first time. It's exciting. There's a lot of trekking involved; it feels more like going on a trek than a poll duty," he said.
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