Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 17: With elaborate arrangements in place and heightened security, the city is all set to welcome President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday, June 18. Superintendent of police (SP) T Balakrishna said that tight security arrangements have been made in the district. The President is scheduled to visit Sri Krishna Math here and also Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur.
A meeting to discuss the security arrangement was held for the police personnel at Rajangana Udupi here on Friday, June 16, a separate arrangement meeting was held earlier at the district administration office complex, chaired by DC Priyanka Mary Francis. Special nodal officers were appointed to look after various departments during the visit. Deployment of medical units like ambulances, emergency requisites; food safety and accommodation were discussed.
It was intimated that Section 144 would be imposed on both sides of the national highway-66, starting Saturday June 17, and will be strictly implemented on Sunday. The district administration authority will suspend the weekly market at Santhekatte, Kallianpur on Sunday, June 18.
The shops in the vicinity of the Math, and the Vidyodaya Public School were instructed to remain shut starting Saturday due to security reasons.
Additional security arrangements have been made including the installation of CCTV cameras, police arrangements, the stationing of police personnel at checkpoints at the bungalow and city surroundings.
Rehearsal for traffic and crowd management was held in the afternoon on the highway.
Presidential Suite
For the Presidential visit, the Government Circuit House was renovated a few days back, at a cost of Rs 40 lac. A well-equipped room has been reserved for the first citizen of the country. The building is located at Bannanje, just in front of SP office. There was no luxurious room in the circuit house earlier, but now a room has been furnished with luxurious furniture for the purpose of the Presidential visit. The room is equipped with a television set, four advanced air conditions, among other installations. Three seating sets, centre table, spacious bedroom, a well-equipped bathroom, computer, high-speed internet facility, and emergency calling facilities have been set up in the room.
A separate dining room has also been set up, wherein six members can sit around the table at a time.
The main door of the circuit house has been furnished with new sitting benches considering with the conveniences of the guest.
The President, who will arrive at Mangaluru International Airport and later board a chopper to Udupi, will visit Sri Krishna Math. On account of which, devotees will not be allowed at Sri Krishna Math between 9 am and 2 pm and in Kolluru Temple from 10.30 am to 6 pm. Temple meals will be provided after 2 pm on June 18.
President Pranab Mukherjee will also lay the foundation stone for B R Shetty's super-specialty hospital at K M Marg.