Chennai, April 11 (NationPress) The electoral landscape in Tamil Nadu is witnessing a remarkable shift, driven by the adoption of digital technologies that have significantly lowered paper usage during elections.

According to officials, the implementation of mobile application systems has not only streamlined electoral operations but also enhanced the environmental sustainability of the process.

Recent statistics from the Election Commission underscore the extent of this transformation. The consumption of A4 sheets, once a fundamental part of polling documentation, has plummeted over recent elections. From approximately 41 lakh sheets used in the 2011 and 2016 Assembly elections, the number has sharply reduced to just 8.73 lakh sheets in 2021. This dramatic decline is primarily due to the rollout of mobile applications that facilitate real-time data entry and transmission.

Election officials now depend on digital uploads to capture polling percentages, voter turnout, and counting results, which has drastically cut down the reliance on manual paperwork at polling stations. This transition has markedly improved both operational efficiency and accuracy.

“Digital tools have eliminated redundancies and minimized delays in data processing. Tasks that previously required extensive paper-based reporting can now be accomplished instantly via mobile platforms,” shared a source from the Election Department.

Historically, each polling station required between 60 and 70 A4 sheets to document voter information, polling statistics, and other records. However, with the advent of digital platforms, these requirements have significantly decreased, enabling more efficient data entry, storage, and transmission.

Election authorities note that about 22 types of stationery are typically utilized during polling and counting, with items like A4 sheets, ballpoint pens, and packing materials being the most consumed. Nevertheless, the shift towards app-based reporting and results compilation has led to what officials describe as a fivefold reduction in paper usage since 2021.

This change has been particularly noticeable in recent elections, where mobile applications provided real-time updates on polling percentages and counting outcomes, thereby reducing the necessity for physical documentation and manual data consolidation.

However, environmentalists caution that challenges extend beyond just paper consumption. They highlight that election-related waste, including plastics and non-recyclable materials, continues to raise ecological concerns.

Consequently, activists are advocating for a more comprehensive sustainability framework, urging authorities to adopt biodegradable materials and implement stricter waste management practices to ensure that elections evolve into a fully eco-friendly process in the future.