Karwar: 1,977 polling stations have been established in the Uttara Kannada constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, as conveyed by District Election Officer Gangubai Mankar.

Mankar ensured that all necessary arrangements have been made to facilitate smooth voting on May 7.

According to Mankar, the Uttara Kannada constituency boasts a total of 16,41,156 eligible voters, comprising 8,23,604 males, 8,17,536 females, and 16 individuals identifying as transgender.

Regarding staffing, Mankar stated that 6,939 personnel have been assigned to election duties across the constituency.

Live monitoring of the voting process will be conducted through webcasting at 1,015 polling stations, with 303 micro observers, 21 videographers, and 200 sector officers overseeing the proceedings.

Special arrangements have been made, including 25 women-friendly polling stations, 17 stations catered to young voters, 10 stations accessible for physically challenged voters, and 16 traditional polling stations, along with 68 special voting stations.

To facilitate transportation for election duties, 164 buses and 169 tempos will be utilized.

During the enforcement of the model code of conduct, authorities seized materials worth Rs 4.13 crore, including illegally transported or stocked items such as liquor, ganja, cash, and ornaments.

Mankar disclosed that 283 campaign permissions were granted through the Suvidha app, while the helpline received 439 complaints regarding violations of the model code of conduct. Additionally, 1,176 complaints were received via the cVIGIL app, 265 through the web portal, and 35 through direct communication channels.

Addressing concerns about high temperatures, Mankar noted that 215 polling stations require protection from direct sunlight. Measures are being taken to provide shade to voters with the installation of pandals, aiming to enhance voter turnout.

Election personnel are being provided with kits containing essential items like toothpaste, soap, ORS packets, and basic tablets to mitigate heat-related health issues. Furthermore, gram panchayats have been instructed to maintain cleanliness at polling stations.