Security stepped up in Kodagu ahead of President's visit

Security has been strengthened in Kodagu district ahead of the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to Madikeri, Bhagamandala and Talacauvery on February 6.

The security around General Thimayya Memorial Museum has been provided by the armed forces. In the meantime, the district administration has banned the entry of devotees to Talacauvery on February 5 and 6.

The President will arrive at the helipad at Chettimani at 11.30 am. From the helipad, he will directly travel to Talacauvery in a car.

After offering puja, he will arrive in Madikeri in a chopper. The lunch has been arranged for the President at Sudarshana guest house in Madikeri. After lunch, he will inaugurate the museum at 3 pm and will return to Bengaluru.

The district administration has decided to allow only 50 people during the inauguration of the museum. All the personnel who will move around with the President have been tested for Covid-19.

Even media persons are not allowed for the inaugural programme. No stage programme will be held.

CMC Commissioner Ramdas said all the shops and houses situated beside the road should remain closed while the President’s convoy passes by. The inmates of the house have been asked to use the back door of the house.

The commissioner said that the public addressing system will be used to make announcements during the President’s travel.

It is our duty to follow the protocol, he added.

The public has expressed displeasure against the district administration for serving notices to all the shops coming under the CMC limits to remain closed on February 6.

Siddapura resident Azeez, in a social media site, said that in the past, President A P J Abdul Kalam had visited the district. No such rules were followed then.

Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal said all the shops from Kaveri College in Bhagamandala to Talacauvery route should remain closed from 8 am to 1 pm.

The President will arrive at the helipad at KM Cariappa College ground in Madikeri at 1 pm. He will travel from Club Mahindra via Cariappa College-Sai Road, Raja Seat Road-Mangerira Muthanna Circle-General Thimayya Circle to reach General Thimayya Memorial Museum.

All the shops en route should remain closed from 10 am to 5 pm. The movement of vehicles from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K M Cariappa Circle is banned from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm on February 6.