In a proactive move to enhance emergency response capabilities during the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls in the Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has unveiled a robust ‘Emergency Response Plan,’ incorporating the deployment of three helicopters, including a dedicated helicopter ambulance. The move aims to bolster emergency medical services across Jammu and Kashmir during the electoral process.
According to the tender notice available with The Daily Guardian, the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu & Kashmir has invited online bids for leasing one Helicopter Ambulance, one Single Engine Helicopter, and one Twin Engine Helicopter during the Lok Sabha Polls in the region. The helicopters will be secured on a lease basis for a duration of 3 to 5 days during each election phase, as deemed necessary.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has specified that the Helicopter Ambulance and Single Engine Helicopter will be stationed at locations within Jammu and Kashmir based on the evolving requirements during different election phases. The exact locations will be communicated by the Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir. The Twin Engine Helicopter, although not stationed in the Union Territory, will be provided as and when required, with a 48-hour prior intimation from the department.
In addition to the aerial support, the Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu & Kashmir, will implement a dedicated GPS-enabled Vehicle Tracking System for the comprehensive movement of all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) during the pre-poll days and on the polling day itself. Real-time tracking and monitoring of the EVMs and VVPATs will be conducted through the GPS-enabled Vehicle Tracking System, housed in vehicles assigned for transporting the election machinery.
To facilitate this process, a ‘GPS Control Room’ will be established at both the District Electoral Officer and CEO levels. This control room will monitor and track the movement of EVMs and VVPATs, ensuring a seamless and transparent electoral process. With Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir anticipated to be conducted in multiple phases, similar to the 2019 elections, the Election Commission’s strategic measures are geared towards ensuring the safety, efficiency, and integrity of the electoral process in the region.
