Brahmapur: The Ganjam administration and police have intensified preparations ahead of President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the district as part of her three-day official tour to Odisha from August 3 to 5.
The President is scheduled to arrive in Brahmapur by special train from Bhubaneswar on August 4 and travel by road to the scenic Taptapani valley, where she will offer prayers at the revered Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple and visit the surrounding natural sulphur hot springs. She is also expected to have lunch at Panthanivas tourist guest house before proceeding to the Army Air Defence College at Golabandha for an overnight stay.
Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan has declared the entire VIP transit route a ‘No Flying/No Drone Zone’. The ban covers the President’s planned itinerary, starting from Berhampur railway station and its vicinity, proceeding to Taptapani via Gosaninuagaon, Andhapasara Road, Haridakhandi, and Digapahandi Road, and following the same return route to the Army Air Defence College at Golabandha, and adjoining areas. Flying, launching, or deployment of unmanned aircraft systems, drones, powered or microlight aircraft, paragliders, paramotors, hot-air balloons and remote-controlled flying objects is prohibited.
The SPs of Berhampur and Ganjam have been directed to enforce the order, which remains in force for the duration of the visit. Any violation will attract penalties under applicable statutory provisions, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), the Aircraft Act (1934), the Aircraft Rules (1937), and the Drone Rules (2021), the official notification said.
Security Tightened, Roads Upgraded
Taptapani, a popular eco-tourism destination in southern Odisha known for its natural hot springs and forested landscape, is witnessing heightened activity as authorities finalise all logistical, cleanliness and security measures for the high-profile visit.
On Saturday, Ganjam Collector chaired a high-level coordination meeting to review the arrangements, with senior officials, including the SPs of Berhampur and Ganjam, the Berhampur Municipal Corporation Commissioner, the Sub-Collector and the Divisional Railway Manager. Officials subsequently inspected Platform No. 4 at Berhampur railway station to finalise disembarkation and exit protocols. Road repair and maintenance works along the Berhampur–Digapahandi–Taptapani stretch have been accelerated. Intensive cleaning and beautification drives under the Swachh Bharat Mission are also underway around the temple premises in T Gobindapur panchayat of Sanakhemundi block.
Collector Keerthi Vasan noted that the President will be visiting Ganjam after a long time. “We held a meeting with all departmental officials to review how to make the overall visit successful and instructed them accordingly. Specific locations such as Taptapani Panthanivas, Taptapani Temple, and the Medical College were discussed to ensure all events and itineraries proceed smoothly. All arrangements are currently on track,” he said.
“In accordance with directives from the DGP and IG, a comprehensive security plan is currently being finalised. Given that Madam will be arriving by train, specialised security protocols will be enforced both at the railway station and her place of stay,” Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M told reporters.
Traffic Restrictions
The Odisha Police’s Berhampur district headquarters has also issued a traffic advisory for August 4 and 5 to ensure safety of the dignitary as well as better traffic regulation and smooth flow of vehicles in and around Brahmapur city.
On the morning of August 4, heavy vehicles will be barred between Andhapasara Chhak and First Gate from 10 am to about 11.45 am, with light vehicles restricted from 10.30 am and two-wheelers from 10.45 am; school buses and other traffic will be diverted via the Lanjipalli Bypass.
Between 3 PM and 5:30 PM, traffic restrictions will be in effect around Haldiapadar, prohibiting heavy and light vehicles from First Gate, while school buses will be allowed to enter Brahmapur via Corporation Chhak. Two-wheelers will not be allowed to ply from Haridakhandi Chhak towards Haldiapadar and heavy vehicles on NH-16 towards Chhatrapur from 4 PM.
On the morning of August 5, traffic restrictions will take effect in stages from Gopalpur Junction towards Golanthara on NH-16, starting with heavy vehicles at 9 AM, light vehicles at 9:30 AM, and two-wheelers at 9:45 AM, with all movement restricted until 10:30 AM.
Emergency vehicles remain exempt, and the public has been urged to use alternate routes and cooperate with traffic arrangements.