Assistant Electoral Officer Harsh Negi Engages with Local Community at Tashigang

World’s Highest Polling Station

Tashigang, April 19, 2024: Assistant Electoral Officer Harsh Negi visited the esteemed Tashigang polling station, situated at an impressive altitude of 15,256 feet above sea level, on Friday. During his visit, a special meeting was convened with the local voters, where their concerns and demands were heard attentively.

Encouragement was extended to the local populace to actively participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha by-elections. Assurances were provided regarding consideration of the administration’s perspective on various issues raised by the residents.

A notable highlight of the meeting was the presence of 13 former daily wage laborers from the Tashigang village construction department, along with their families, who were temporarily employed. Assistant Electoral Officer Harsh Negi emphasized the importance of inclusivity by also holding discussions with these former laborers.

It was reiterated to the attendees that Tashigang holds a unique distinction globally, with a remarkable 100% voter turnout tradition. Upholding this tradition will not only preserve democratic values but also strengthen democracy for generations to come.

**Box:**
Tashigang, famously known as the “Cold Desert,” is nestled in the Spiti Valley of Lahaul and Spiti district, perched at an astonishing altitude of 15,256 feet above sea level. Blanketed in snow for six months of the year, the region faces challenges of oxygen scarcity. Prior to 2019, Hikkim in Lahaul-Spiti district held the title of the world’s highest polling station. However, in 2019, Tashigang was designated as the polling center. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Tashigang recorded 45 voters, comprising 27 males and 18 females. In the subsequent Mandi Parliamentary by-elections, 48 voters participated, including 29 males and 22 females. In the 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections, 52 voters exercised their franchise, comprising 30 males and 22 females. This year, Tashigang boasts 52 eligible voters once again.