Ensure foolproof arrangements for PM’s proposed visit to Varanasi: CS to officials

Uttar Pradesh chief secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari directed the officials to repair roads on the VVIP route

VARANASI: Uttar Pradesh chief secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari on Sunday directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Varanasi this month. The PM is likely to visit here between July 15 and 18.

Chief secretary (CS) and director general of police (DGP)

Mukul Goel inspected the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University ground, Varanasi International Cooperation Convention Centre (VICCC) ‘Rudraksha’ and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in view of the PM’s likely visit.

Divisional commissioner Deepak Agrawal apprised the CS and the DGP about the route plan and various proposed programmes during the proposed visit. The CS praised the arrangements made for the proposed visit.

“Rudraksh will give a worldwide message of friendship between India and Japan,” said Tiwari while inspecting the VICCC.

During his Kashi visit in December 2015, the then Japan

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had gifted the VICCC project to the city.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided funds for the construction of the VICCC which cost around Rs 186 crore. Besides, a Japanese company Fujita Corporation was given the contract to construct the centre.

Chief secretary also held a meeting with the officials here and instructed that proper arrangement of drinking water should be made at the meeting place.

Besides, he said that arrangements at the venue should be made keeping in mind that in case if it rains, then the rain water could be drained out immediately.

He directed the officials to repair roads on the VVIP route. “It should be ensured that no electricity wire or other wires were seen hanging from the poles on both sides of the road. Stray animals should not be allowed to roam on the streets. Proper barricading should be done on the venue of the meeting. It should be ensured that unauthorised person doesn’t enter the security circles. Three tire checking must be done,” Tiwari said.

The chief secretary said that during the road tour of VVIPs, the traffic should not be stopped too long in advance. “Ensure smooth passage of VVIP cavalcade by stopping the traffic for the shortest possible time as required. In addition, provide alternate route to the common man. Covid protocol should be followed strictly. Everyone must wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Take the PM’s visit as a new challenge and rehearse in advance,” he said.

Meanwhile, interacting with mediapersons, the DGP said that he along with chief secretary inspected the progrmme venue for the proposed visit of PM Modi. “Foolproof security arrangements will be in place,” he said.

Earlier, chief secretary and the DGP offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath and Kaal Bhairav temples.