Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday held a comprehensive review of security, protocol and administrative arrangements for the three-day visit of President Droupadi Murmu to the state from August 3.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed all departments concerned to complete preparations within the stipulated timeframe.
The meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan, where senior officials assessed preparedness for the President’s engagements across Bhubaneswar, Kataka and Ganjam districts.
According to the proposed itinerary reviewed during the meeting, the President is slated to arrive in Bhubaneswar by a special aircraft from New Delhi on the afternoon of August 3. After reaching Lok Bhavan, she will travel by road to Jagadguru Kripalu University near Baanga in Kataka district’s Damapada tehsil to inaugurate the university before returning to Bhubaneswar for an overnight stay.
On August 4, the President is scheduled to travel by train from Bhubaneswar Railway Station to Brahmapur, with the rail journey being planned in view of the prevailing monsoon conditions. From Berhampur, she will proceed by road to Taptapani, where she will offer prayers and perform aarti at Maa Kandhuni Devi Peetha before participating in a tree plantation programme.
The itinerary also includes a proposed visit to Dhabaleswar Temple near Brahmapur-Gopalpur. The President is expected to stay overnight in Brahamapur before returning to Bhubaneswar by train on August 5 and flying back to New Delhi aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft.
Officials reviewed preparations at Lok Seva Bhawan, Jagadguru Kripalu University, Bhubaneswar and Brahmapur railway stations, Taptapani and other programme venues. Special attention was given to sanitation and cleanliness at Bhubaneswar Railway Station, strengthening security within station premises and ensuring seamless security arrangements for the President’s special train journey.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for the university inauguration, temple visit, tree plantation programme, beautification of Berhampur Railway Station, protocol management, road repairs and other logistical requirements.
Preparedness related to convoy movement, traffic regulation, communication systems, emergency response, healthcare facilities, ambulance deployment, fire services and road infrastructure was also assessed.
The Chief Secretary instructed all departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure smooth execution of the President’s visit and timely completion of all arrangements.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Hemant Sharma, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Director General of Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi, secretaries of various departments, the Divisional Railway Manager of East Coast Railway and senior police and administrative officials. The Collectors and Superintendents of Police of Kataka and Ganjam districts participated in the meeting virtually.