Preparations begin for Prez visit to state

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 16

Preparations are afoot for the four-day visit of President Pranab Mukherjee to Uttarakhand from September 27 to September 30.

Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh chaired a special meeting here today to make advance preparations for the VIP guest.

On his arrival at the Jolly Grant Airport on September 27, the President will be received by Governor Dr KK Paul, Chief Minister Harish Rawat, Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh and DGP MA Ganapati.

The President will inaugurate the restored building at Ashiyana— President’s estate in Dehradun— the same day. Ashiyana will remain the abode of the President for all the four days. On September 28, he will pay obeisance at the Kedarnath temple and return to Dehradun in the afternoon. At Guptkashi, two helicopters of civil aviation will remain stationed and at Gaucher, contingency arrangements will be put in place. On alighting at the Kedarnath helipad, the President and his entourage will head to the temple in three all terrain vehicles (ATVs).

On September 29, the President will visit Haridwar, where he will participate in the Ganga arti at Har-ki-Pauri.

Along with ensuring everything is in order at the President’s estate, the Chief Secretary has asked officials to ensure that the Dehradun-Haridwar road is in perfect condition by September 22.