PANJIM: Open for public all
round the year, Bal Bhavan has been turned into a high security zone with
hundreds of para military force, armed police from the neighbouring states and
Goa police guarding the venue. EVMs and VVPATs from across 19 constituencies in
the north district have been kept at strong rooms at the main complex of Bal
Bhavan and its annex building.
District
Collector Nila Mohanan confirmed the venue is being guarded under three tier
security system. “The internal security is manned by one company of
paramilitary troops while the second tier is guarded by armed police of
neighbouring states and the outer parameter is under the control of Goa
police,” she said speaking to Herald.
Armed
forces from different states including Maharashtra and Karnataka are deputed to
Goa on poll-duty till March 11 when the counting will take place along with
other poll-bound states.
In
addition to this, close circuit television cameras are installed at multiple
points with screens placed outside the premise for public view. A 24X7 control
room, headed by an executive magistrate is also set up where the recordings are
stored. “No unauthorized persons are allowed to enter the premise…” added the
IAS officer.
Chief
Electoral Officer Kunal said the premise has sufficient space to keep the
machines safely. The premise is banned for public till the counting day on March
11.
