Arrangements for smooth conduct of bypoll despite cyclone Hudhud

BERHAMPUR (ODISHA): Poll-bound Kandhamal is readying for smooth conduct of the October 15 by-election as cyclone Hudhud is likely to cross north Andhra Pradesh close to south Odisha on October 12.

The poll-bound districts of Kandhamal, Ganjam, Nayagarh and Boudh under Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency are likely to experience heavy rains and high speed wind under its impact, officials said.

Communication in interior areas of Kandhamal district may be hit and polling parties would find it difficult to reach the booths in remote areas.

"We have requested the government for at least five teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) with sufficient woodcutters for the district," Collector - cum - Returning Officer M Thirumala Naik said.

"The team will clear the road, if blocked by trees during the cyclone, and help polling parties reach their destination," he said.

The district administration has also sought five boats to ferry polling parties in case of waterlogging, the collector said.

"Safety of the polling personnel is our main concern," he said.

They would be provided polythene sheets and transported in closed vehicles. "Since there is a dearth of closed vehicles in Kandhamal, we have requested the collector of Ganjam to provide us around 200 such vehicles," Deputy Election Officer Sumant Kar said.

Communication was cut-off in some areas of Daringibadi, Raikia, Kotagarh and Tumudibandh blocks after the roads were washed away during the rains in July.

The district administration had written to the electoral officer seeking permission for repair of these roads before the polls.

Bypoll to Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat was necessitated following the death of BJD MP Hemendra Chandra Singh last month.