4 days Ago By Nisha Nambiar
Pune: Twenty-one polling booths in Pune district where voters will line up on Wednesday have a surprise in store. They will step into unique experiences designed to celebrate the areas' rich heritage, ecology and traditions. Thematic displays will tell unique stories of local communities, landscapes and traditions.
Nodal officer of SVEEP Archana Tambe said the ECI has stressed on helping improve the voters' experience so district officials have brought local history, culture and ecological awareness to polling stations, creating an engaging, educational environment for voters. "It will cultivate a deeper connection between voters and their communities. We want people to feel more linked to the place they live," she added.
In Junnar's Bori Budruk booth, visitors can see ancient stone weapons, giving them a glimpse of the district's prehistoric past. The booth in Ahupe in Ambegaon will focus on the Mahadeo Koli tribal community, their unique traditions and lifestyle. Raireshwar polling station in Bhor, situated 4,505 ft above sea level, with its historic Raireshwar fort, offers a scenic view.
It's a booth that will connect voters to the land's deep historical roots while they wait to cast their votes, the polling official from that area said. Dorlewadi in Baramati will put up the indigenous knowledge of Vaidu healers whose herbal remedies have been passed down through generations while Kaldari in Purandar highlights the life of tribal communities and their lifestyle, which is deeply connected to nature and tradition, election officials said. In Pune city, a Mukundnagar booth will delve into Vedic culture and ancient rituals that are central to the region's spiritual history.
In Kothrud, a booth will feature traditional Lamaan folk dance for the voters. Ecology and environmental awareness are themes in Khed-Alandi's Ghuboli booth focussing on eco-friendly design showcasing sustainable practices. A voter said that it is a unique step and a good initiative which will help but voters should not be made to wait in long queues by those experiencing a booth's uniqueness.
A booth in Vishrantwadi has been dedicated to global warming to address climate change. There will be visuals and interactive displays to educate voters about growing environmental threats. An MIDC Pimpri booth will have the industrial sector display.
In Shirur, a polling booth at a ZP school will celebrate local folk culture while for those voting in Daund's Khanota station, the backdrop will be the Ujani dam's backwaters. Voters can watch a display on the area's migratory flamingos, a reminder of the region's rich biodiversity..
