Chandigarh, renowned for its urban planning and cultural heritage, is all set to revolutionize the voting experience in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In a groundbreaking initiative, the Chandigarh election department is gearing up to establish five theme-based polling booths across the city, aiming to showcase the region’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
These innovative polling booths will be adorned with vibrant artwork and decoration, representing five distinct themes: the architectural heritage of Chandigarh, the iconic Rock Garden, the city’s beauty and cleanliness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Heritage Museum, and the lush green gardens and roundabouts that adorn Chandigarh’s landscape.
Each booth will offer a unique glimpse into Chandigarh’s history and culture. For instance, the “Architectural Heritage of Chandigarh” booth, set up at the Gymnasium Hall of Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Sector 12, will feature Le Corbusier’s renowned architectural designs, providing voters with insights into the city’s urban planning history.
Meanwhile, the ‘Rock Garden’ themed booth at Moti Ram Arya Senior Secondary School, Sector 27, will showcase replicas of the garden’s famous sculptures, offering voters an immersive experience.
In addition to celebrating Chandigarh’s heritage, the election department is also focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. Ten polling booths will be entirely managed by differently-abled individuals and youth, promoting empowerment and youth engagement in the electoral process.
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Moreover, to address the needs of differently-abled voters, all polling booths will be equipped with facilities such as wheelchairs, ramps, and separate queues, ensuring a seamless voting experience for all citizens.
Recognizing the importance of gender representation and safety, the election department will establish five “pink booths” managed exclusively by all-women teams, providing a secure and comfortable environment for women voters.
Furthermore, to alleviate long queues and waiting times, 58 model polling booths will be set up across the city, equipped with waiting rooms and various amenities such as drinking water and air coolers.
Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Electoral Officer Vinay Pratap Singh expressed optimism about these initiatives, emphasizing their potential to enhance voter turnout and educate residents about Chandigarh’s rich history and culture.
