Panaji: The North Goa District administration on Monday outlined a comprehensive plan to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, which includes enhanced interstate coordination.

The district has held meetings with the neighbouring districts of Belagavi in Karnataka and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.

“We are monitoring the movement of suspicious vehicles and seizing any freebies or liquor. We are in constant touch with the administrations of neighbouring districts and have established 24-hour CCTV surveillance at six checkposts. Any untoward movement will be reported, and legal action will be taken,” said Superintendent of Police (North), Akshat Kaushal.

“Our goal is to take stern action against any possibility of violation of the Model Code of Conduct through the use of inducements such as liquor, freebies, money, or muscle power,” said North Goa District Collector Sneha Gitte.

Kaushal said that ‘nakas’ (checkpoints) have already been set up in sensitive areas, and a Central Armed Police Forces company has been deployed to conduct rounds.

Sensitive polling booths are yet to be identified, after which a report will be submitted to the Election Commission, said Gitte.

Meanwhile, the authorities are already calling history sheeters for verifications. Proposals for externment are pending with the collector, and updates will be provided as needed, said Kaushal.

Gitte said the district is also making efforts towards sustainable elections, with a special drive planned wherein polling parties will plant trees in the vicinity of their assigned stations to reduce their carbon footprint.

Stating that the North Goa district has a strong track record of high voter turnout, with 81.15% in the 2022 assembly elections and 76.82% in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gitte said.

“While these figures are encouraging, we are determined to further increase participation by focusing on new voters, women, third-gender individuals, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.”