Karnataka: Kanakapura's forest-themed polling booth set up to promote voter engagement, environmental awareness

A special polling booth with a forest theme is set up at the Kanakpura polling station to attract voters in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024In a bid to enhance voter engagement and raise awareness about forest conservation the Kanakapura Forest Department has unveiled a unique initiative for the ongoing elections The establishment of a special polling station aptly named Adavi meaning forest aims to immerse voters in a natural ambience while casting their ballotsSituated at the GTTC Polling Station No79 in Kanakapura Adavi offers voters an unparalleled experience akin to being amidst lush greenery The traditional polling booth has been transformed into a serene forest setting complete with indigenous flora and thematic decorationsWe have set up this booth on the theme of the forest here in Kanakapura as climate change is a big issue we need to create awareness among voters to save forests and water Kanakapura Municipality Commissioner Mahadev Swamy told ANIThe officers are also here distributing saplings to voters who participate in the voting process as part of an awareness program to conserve forests and waterUpon 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 torans decorative door hangings and strategically placed plants further enhance the forestlike atmosphere creating a tranquil environment for votersThe initiative goes beyond aesthetic appeal as the Forest Department aims to leverage the unique setting to educate voters about the importance of forest conservation Through engaging displays and informational materials voters are encouraged to understand and contribute to the preservation of natural habitatsIn a gesture of appreciation for participating in the democratic process Forest Department staff members are distributing plants to voters upon casting their ballots This not only fosters a sense of environmental responsibility but also serves as a tangible reminder of the connection between democracy and environmental stewardshipSpeaking about the initiative a representative from the Kanakapura Forest Department highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to civic engagementBy blending nature with democracy we hope to inspire citizens to become advocates for environmental conservation while exercising their democratic rights they remarkedThe establishment of the Adavi polling station underscores the commitment of the Kanakapura Forest Department to promote sustainable practices and community involvement As voters flock to this unique polling station it serves as a testament to the power of creativity in fostering civic participation and environmental consciousnessKarnataka is voting on 14 seats today in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024The second phase has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies across 13 StatesUnion Territory including 13 in Rajasthan 20 in Kerala eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh five each in Assam and Bihar six in Madhya Pradesh three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal and one each in Tripura Manipur and Jammu amp Kashmir348 lakh firsttime voters are registered to cast their votes Additionally there are 328 crore young voters in the age group of 2029 years 1202 candidates males 1098 females 102 third gender 02 are in the fray