Highest booth ready to welcome voters

Of the 16 remotest polling booths falling under Darjeeling and Kalimpong Assembly constituencies, Sree Khola polling station is the highest point, about 2,080 mt above sea level.

Inspector General, North Bengal, Ranvir Kumar said police escort has been provided to help the polling officers reach Sree Khola, about 110 km north-west of Darjeeling town.

After travelling 100 km on vehicle, the polling personnel trekked some 10 km though the terrain of Indian and Nepal borders to reach Sree Khola while the polling material was carried on the back of the mules.

Incidentally, the polling booth at Sree Khola Primary School has no electricity and no potable water facility. About 778 tribal voters, including 358 women, will cast vote on traditional ballot papers between 0700 hrs to 1500 hrs.

The second highest polling booth in Darjeeling segment is Dara Gaon, 2,060 mt above sea level, where 1,139 electors, including 546 women, will need trekking for about four km to cast ballot. Dara Gaon is 110 km north of Darjeeling town where basic amenities for the people are missing because of its remoteness and hilly terrain.