As the anticipation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections builds, Pune is witnessing a democratic makeover with an increase in the number of polling stations. The Election Commission’s proactive response to the surge in voter numbers over the past ten months has led to the addition of 36 new polling centers, bringing the total count to a significant 8,213.
Democracy in Action: Planning for the Future
With next year’s Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, the Election Commission is diligently finalizing the voter list. The recently published draft voter list reflects a substantial increase in the number of voters across 21 assembly constituencies in the district, including Pune city. The current count stands at an impressive 80,73,182 voters, marking a rise of 1,21,763 from the previous year.
Expanding Access: Ground-Floor Centers and Strategic Changes
In response to the growing number of voters, the Election Commission has strategically increased the number of polling stations. Previously, there were 8,175 centers during the last Lok Sabha elections; now, an additional 36 centers have been introduced, totaling 8,213. A key consideration in this expansion has been to ensure that these centers are located on the ground floor, enhancing accessibility for all voters.
Adapting to Change: Addressing Infrastructure Challenges
The increase in polling stations is not just a numerical shift but a meticulous response to various infrastructural challenges. Changes have been made to 625 buildings hosting polling stations due to reasons such as aging structures, limited space, and narrow access roads. This ensures that the voting process remains smooth and efficient.
Strategic Layouts: Mitigating Crowds and Queues
Each polling center has been designed to accommodate 1,500 voters per room, allowing for an organized and streamlined voting experience. The layout ensures that voters can proceed to another room within the same center, minimizing queues and avoiding overcrowding in any single polling room.
Constituency-Wise Breakdown: A Comprehensive Overview
Here’s a constituency-wise breakdown of the new polling station count:
- Junnar: 356
- Ambegaon: 338
- Khed: 385
- Shirur: 405
- Daund: 309
- Indapur: 329
- Baramati: 376
- Purandar: 410
- Bhor: 561
- Maval: 381
- Chinchwad: 528
- Pimpri: 399
- Bhosari: 464
- Vadgaon Sheri: 452
- Khadakwasla: 465
- Shivajinagar: 280
- Kothrud: 398
- Parvati: 344
- Kasba: 270
- Hadapsar: 494
- Pune Cantonment: 274
