Polling in the remote Laika and Dodhia stations inside Dibru Saikhowa National Park in upper Assam brought into light the logistical and security challenges of conducting elections in a protected forest landscape. Heavy rain, river crossings, dense jungle and the presence of wild animals made movement difficult for voters and polling teams alike.
Remote Polling in Protected Forest Area
Dibru Saikhowa National Park, spread over about 340 sq km, is home to forest settlements such as Laika and Dodhia. These villages were formed by families displaced by floods and erosion over several decades. The two polling stations served around 3,700 voters living inside the forest area. Many voters had to walk several kilometres through jungle paths and cross rivers to reach the booths.
Forest Guards Led Security Arrangements
Unlike normal polling locations, armed forest guards escorted polling teams back to district headquarters in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh after voting ended. Forest personnel patrolled forest tracks, river routes and anti-poaching camps throughout the day. Operations were coordinated from the Guijan Range Headquarters. No untoward incident was reported, and the main concern remained safe movement through terrain inhabited by elephants and big cats.
Voting Amid Rain and Difficult Terrain
Despite continuous rain, many residents turned out to vote. In Dodhia, nearly 2,000 voters cast their ballots, though some elderly residents stayed back because of the weather. A young voter from Dodhia reportedly left home before dawn and reached the polling station after a long walk through forest and river crossings. Dodhia recorded about 72% turnout, while Laika saw around 60% at the last update.
Transport of EVMs and Polling Staff
After voting closed at 5 pm, forest personnel continued escorting polling teams and electronic voting machines through dark jungle stretches and waterways. Since boats and walking are the only means of travel in the park’s core area, the teams were expected to reach Guijan Ghat first and then continue by road to Tinsukia and Dibrugarh. Around 15 forest personnel were deployed in Laika and seven in Dodhia for security and assistance.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026