579 vulnerable polling booths identified: GCC Commissioner
A joint exercise with the officials of the Election Commission of India and the police will be carried out in the coming weeks to identify more vulnerable and critical polling stations in the city, he says
With the Election Commission of India (EC) releasing the schedule for the Lok Sabha election, District Election Officer and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan announced that 579 vulnerable polling stations had been identified by the Returning Officers as on Saturday.
“Of the 3,719 polling stations in 1,944 locations across the city, 579 vulnerable ones were identified by Returning Officers as per the polling percentage,” he said.
As of now, no critical polling stations have been identified. A joint exercise with the officials of the EC and the police will be carried out in the coming weeks to identify more vulnerable and critical polling booths.
In the city, 14 checkposts, 192 flying squads, 192 static and 32 video surveillance teams, and 32 video viewing teams will be deployed, according to the District Election Officer.
They will be equipped with vehicles with 360° live feed cameras, Mr. Radhakrishnan added.
The Regional Deputy Commissioners – North, Central and South – will act as the Returning Officers, and Additional Commissioners, the Joint Commissioner, and Collector will act as the five additional
District Election Officers.
Since the model code of conduct (MCC) came into effect on Saturday from 3.30 p.m., the civic body will clear political banners, paintings, cutouts, hoardings, flag staffs, notices, slogans etc., from government offices in 24 hours, public spaces in 48 hours, and from private premises without permits in 72 hours, Mr. Radhakrishnan told reporters.
“All 19,000 workers with the GCC under several departments will be engaged in election work,” an official said.
Mr. Radhakrishnan also released the poll helpline numbers — 1800 425 7012, 04425333001, 04425333003, 04425333004, 04425333005, and 04425333006.