Elaborate arrangements begin for PM visit
The preparations for the upcoming June 21 International Yoga Day mega event are in full swing in the city. The whole city is decorated with hoardings inviting people to register themselves for the event. Prabhat Tara ground, where PM Narendra Modi will be performing yoga with thousands of people, is being prepared for the grand event.
Deputy Commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray convened a meeting on Monday to review the progress made in the preparations. The issues of cleanliness before and after the event, VIP reception from the airport, accessibility for the differently abled, water and sanitation were given top priority by the DC.
Meanwhile, anticipation of the PM’s visit has far reaching implications in the HEC area. Roads leading up to the ground have been cleaned spotless and barricaded heavily, and security personnel can be spotted in many nearby crossings. The ground is also heavily guarded, with tents for police officers.
The ground, which is in close proximity to JSCA Stadium, has been levelled by earthmovers and carpeted completely.
Barricades have been put up in the ground to segregate areas for the 40,000 people that are expected to perform yoga alongside the PM. A raised platform’s construction was also underway as seen on Monday. Halogen lights and loudspeakers have been put up, while frames for TV screens are also ready.
“More than 60 portable toilet seats have been installed near the ground, and drinking water will be made available for all the participants. Medical assistance will also be available on-site and on-call during the main event,” said Sub-Inspector K.K Srivastava, who was on duty at the ground.
The security personnel present on the ground pointed out the grandeur of the event. “It is going to be a grand event. Look at the media vans that have arrived already,” one for the officers said.
With CM Raghubar Das assuring the people that the PM’s visit will be a grand affair, the one-day event has taken the face of a week-long festival, as thousands of people, who have registered are being called every day to train before the event. Awareness efforts to promote the event are also in full swing. Cultural activities have been organised in schools and colleges, and a ‘Run for Yoga’ marathon was also organised on June 15 to raise awareness for the cause.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary D.K Tiwari also held a meeting on Monday to streamline the preparations for the June 21 International Yoga Day event.
The focus of the meeting was on the reception of the PM, who is to arrive on June June 20 evening. Security will be increased in all the routes that the PM will be using. The CS also directed the officials present to keep weather predictions and chances of rainfall in mind while preparing for the event. He also stressed on the importance of good audio system so that the PM's message can reach to the thousands present in the ground.
Eight medical huts will also be built in the Prabhat Tara ground with facilities like stretchers available on spot. The CS also emphasized on the functioning condition of street lights in the area, and directed the officials to ensure cleanliness around the ground.
