In a proactive step to ensure seamless security arrangements for the upcoming by-election in the 71 Nuapada Assembly Constituency, a key meeting was convened under the chairmanship of District Collector Madhusudan Dash, who also serves as the District Election Officer.
The focus was on providing suitable temporary accommodations for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain law and order during the polls.
District Superintendent of Police (SP) Amrit Pal Singh also participated in the discussions, alongside Additional District Collector Subhash Chandra Rait and various district-level officials. Kicking off the proceedings, the Collector welcomed attendees and outlined the meeting’s objectives, emphasising the indispensable role of CAPF in upholding peace and tranquillity during the by-election.
To bolster security, the Central government has sanctioned the deployment of 14 companies of forces: four from the Border Security Force (BSF), five from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and five from the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Extensive deliberations centred on scouting and outfitting appropriate interim lodging spots for these personnel, ensuring their operational readiness.
Following detailed deliberations, 14 potential sites were shortlisted, including high schools, colleges, community halls, the town hall, and Mission Shakti. However, several of these locations lack basic amenities like toilets and electricity connections. Addressing this gap, the Collector issued on-the-spot directives to the Executive Engineer (PWD), Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department, Public Health Department, and Electricity Department to expedite installations on a war footing, drawing parallels to wartime urgency.
For furnishing these sites, temporary cots and bedding will be arranged by the District Education Officer (DEO) and the District Welfare Officer (DWO). The meeting underscored the district administration’s moral responsibility to extend dignified and functional accommodations to the security forces, reflecting a commitment to collaborative governance.
This by-election, triggered by recent developments in the constituency, is poised to be a high-stakes affair, with robust security measures seen as pivotal to a fair and fearless voting process. Officials expressed confidence that these preparations will set a benchmark for efficient election management in the region.
