Before the Delhi Assembly polls, over 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) had been deployed to ensure security across 13,033 polling booths. However, a concern has been raised that the respective administration has failed to provide them with proper basic amenities, such as clean drinking water, electricity, and sanitation facilities.

In a letter to Special CP Devesh Chandra Srivastva, CRPFInspector General Gyanendra Kumar Verma brought to attention the pathetic conditions faced by CAPF personnel stationed in the capital. The letter, titled "Shortage of Basic Facilities," listed a series of problems across several units-CISF, SSB, RPF, and SAP/IR units.

Verma wrote, “It has been reported that several companies from CISF, SSB, RPF, SAP/IR units are facing critical issues due to the lack of basic amenities such as drinking water, tents, water supply, accommodation for officers, vehicles for officers, and toilets.”

On-Ground inspection

CRPF officers undertook inspections in different accommodations to gauge the ground situation. The report from their inspection painted a worrying picture:

Nangloi (Saini Mohalla): Overflowing mobile toilets and no CNG for vehicles.

Multan Nagar (Paschim Vihar): No facility for drinking water.

Bakarwala (Mundka): No electricity since January 20, broken toilet doors, and no drinking water.

Jwalapuri (Paschim Vihar): Overflowing mobile toilets that needed immediate attention.

Nangloi (Y-Block): Bathrooms blocked, to be cleaned immediately.

Baba Teja Singh Radha Swami Satsang Gurudwara (Alipur): Poor accommodation for officers, with shared rooms for senior personnel.

Verma, in his report, pointed out that these issues were majorly affecting the morale and efficiency of the forces and that corrective action should be taken immediately to ensure compliance with ECI norms.

Authorities respond, assure resolution

A senior Delhi Police officer acknowledged the initial difficulties but stated that efforts were made to resolve them. “We have coordinated with all the agencies and resolved their issues. As of now, they are happy with the arrangements,” the officer said.

Verma later confirmed that the matter was promptly addressed, stating, “This is an old issue and was promptly and duly attended by Delhi police.”

Ensuring free and fair elections

The Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed 220 CAPF companies to Delhi for area domination, flag marches, and patrolling to ensure peaceful elections. Security arrangements have been heightened, particularly at 429 polling booths classified as sensitive or critical, mainly in North East, South East, and outer districts of Delhi.

When elections approach, there will be tremendous pressure on the authorities to provide even the most basic of facilities to CAPF personnel so that they can perform their duties effectively.

Read: Delhi Assembly Election 2025: Date, constituencies, full list of candidates