Electoral Roll Update Delayed in Hill Regions Due to Weather and Terrain Challenges
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to postpone Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, citing operational difficulties and harsh weather conditions in these regions.
While Phase III of the revision exercise has been launched across 16 states and three Union Territories, these hill regions have been temporarily left out due to challenges such as difficult terrain, high-altitude conditions and limited accessibility, which make field operations particularly tough.
The poll body clarified that a separate schedule for these areas will be announced later, taking into account the progress of Phase II of the national Census and improving weather conditions, especially in snow-bound and remote locations.
Officials said the revision exercise has been aligned with the ongoing Census house-listing operations, allowing better coordination and efficient use of resources on the ground.
Across the country, the exercise is being carried out on a massive scale. More than 3.9 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be conducting door-to-door verification, covering nearly 36 crore voters. They will be supported by over 3.4 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) nominated by various political parties.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has urged citizens to actively participate in the process. “I appeal to all electors to enthusiastically participate in the Special Intensive Revision and submit their Enumeration Forms. This exercise is important to ensure that only eligible voters are included in the electoral roll,” he said.
The main aim of the exercise is to keep voter lists accurate, updated and transparent, ensuring that all eligible citizens are included while preventing the entry of ineligible names.
For now, residents of Himachal and other affected regions will have to wait a little longer for the revision process to begin, as authorities prioritise feasibility and safety in these challenging terrains.
