Haritha Karma Sena's Vital Role in Ensuring Clean Polling in Thiruvananthapuram
As polling booths across Thiruvananthapuram district buzzed with voters, officials, and security personnel, a dedicated and quieter workforce labored tirelessly in the background to uphold cleanliness, hygiene, and order. The members of the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) played an indispensable role in maintaining these standards, ensuring that the polling process remained smooth, dignified, and free from disruptions.
Early Morning Preparations and Continuous Efforts
HKS workers commenced their duties as early as 5 a.m., arriving at polling stations even before officials. They meticulously sanitized rooms, cleaned premises, and prepared booths to welcome voters in a pristine environment. Throughout the day, as polling progressed, these workers moved constantly between rooms and compounds, collecting waste and preserving cleanliness to foster a positive atmosphere.
Managing Waste During and After Polling
After lunch hours, when disposable plates and food waste accumulated significantly, the HKS team stepped in promptly. They cleared, segregated, and packed waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and liquid categories, facilitating recycling and proper disposal. This systematic approach not only maintained hygiene but also supported environmental sustainability during the electoral event.
Personal Insights from HKS Workers
Anju Priya, a HKS worker on election duty, shared her experience: "It is a tough job because we have to be on our feet from early morning till late evening. But I feel happy doing it. A clean and hygienic environment creates a positive mindset for voters. When people walk into a neat place, they feel comfortable and can focus on casting their vote peacefully." Her words highlight the emotional satisfaction derived from contributing to a crucial democratic process.
Swapna G, another dedicated worker, emphasized that recognition was not their priority: "We don't expect appreciation for what we do. But we feel proud to be part of such a large democratic process. Even if people don't notice us, our work speaks for itself." This sentiment underscores the selfless commitment of HKS members to their community and the electoral system.
Post-Polling Cleanup and Deployment Statistics
The work of HKS workers did not conclude with the end of polling. Long after voters and officials had departed, these individuals remained behind, clearing discarded materials and restoring premises to their original state. On average, approximately 10 HKS workers were deployed at each polling booth in the district, ensuring comprehensive coverage and effective maintenance of hygiene standards throughout the electoral process.
