A special polling booth with a forest theme has been set up at the Kanakpura polling station to attract voters in the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In a bid to improve voter turnout and create awareness on forest conservation, the Kanakapura Forest Department has come up with a unique initiative for the ongoing elections. The creation of a special polling station, aptly named “Adavi” (meaning forest), aims to immerse voters in a natural environment while casting their vote.
Situated at GTTC Polling Station No-79 in Kanakapura, Adavi offers voters an unparalleled experience akin to being amidst lush greenery. The traditional polling station has been transformed into a serene forest environment, complete with indigenous flora and themed decorations.
“We have set up this booth on forest issue here in Kanakapura as climate change is a big issue…we need to create awareness among voters to save forests and water,” Kanakapura Municipal Commissioner told ANI , Mahadev Swamy.
Officials are also here distributing saplings to voters participating in the voting process as part of an awareness program to conserve forests and water.
Upon entering the polling station, voters are greeted with the sight of a ‘chappar’, a special flower native to the forest, adorning the entrance. A variety of strategically placed ‘torans’ (decorative door hangings) and plants further enhance the forest atmosphere, creating a tranquil environment for voters.
The initiative goes beyond aesthetic appeal as the Forest Department aims to leverage the unique environment to educate voters about the importance of forest conservation. Through engaging exhibits and informational materials, voters are encouraged to understand and contribute to the preservation of natural habitats.
In a gesture of gratitude for participating in the democratic process, staff members of the Forest Department are distributing plants to voters as they cast their votes. This not only fosters a sense of environmental responsibility but also serves as a tangible reminder of the connection between democracy and environmental management.
Speaking about the initiative, a representative of the Kanakapura Forest Department highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to civic engagement.
“By combining nature with democracy, we hope to inspire citizens to become advocates for environmental conservation while exercising their democratic rights,” they commented.
The establishment of the Adavi polling station underlines the Kanakapura Forest Department’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices and community participation. When voters flock to this unique polling station, it serves as a testament to the power of creativity to foster civic participation and environmental awareness.
Karnataka will vote for 14 seats in the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections today.
The second phase has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies in 13 states/Union Territory, including 13 in Rajasthan, 20 in Kerala, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three in Chhattisgarh and three in West Bengal. , and one each in Tripura, Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir.
34.8 lakh first-time voters are registered to cast their votes. Additionally, there are 3.28 million young voters in the age group of 20 to 29 years. 1202 candidates (men: 1098; women: 102; third gender: 02 are in the running).