Invisible workforce keeps polling booths clean, orderly

T'puram: As polling booths across the district buzzed with voters, officials and security personnel, a quieter workforce worked tirelessly in the background to keep the process clean, hygienic and orderly. Members of Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) played a vital role in maintaining hygiene and discipline, ensuring polling remained smooth and dignified.HKS workers began their day as early as 5am, reaching polling stations even before officials arrived. They sanitized rooms, cleaned premises and ensured booths were ready to receive voters. As polling progressed, they moved constantly between rooms and compounds, collecting waste and maintaining cleanliness.After lunch hours, when disposable plates and food waste accumulated, the workers stepped in to clear, segregate and pack waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable and liquid categories for recycling and proper disposal."It is a tough job because we have to be on our feet from early morning till late evening. But I feel happy doing it. A clean and hygienic environment creates a positive mindset for voters. When people walk into a neat place, they feel comfortable and can focus on casting their vote peacefully," said Anju Priya, a HKS worker on election duty.The work does not end when polling concludes. Long after voters and officials leave, the workers remain behind, clearing discarded materials and restoring the premises. On average, around 10 HKS workers were deployed at each booth in the district.Swapna G, another worker, said recognition was not their priority. "We don't expect appreciation for what we do. But we feel proud to be part of such a large democratic process. Even if people don't notice us, our work speaks for itself," she said.