During his two-day visit to the pilgrim city of Puri, beginning on February 19, President Ram Nath Kovind will be staying at a private hotel and not the Governor’s House.
As per protocol, the President was earlier scheduled to reside at the Governor’s House. However, due to insufficient accommodation space, arrangements have been made at a private hotel. The changes were made following instructions from the President’s office as per the protocol under the Blue Book and considering the space requirements, and also from security point of view.
"We have made elaborate arrangements for the Honourable President's visit. Starting from his arrival at Talabania helipad to his stay, visit to the Jagannath temple to attending Gaudiya mission's programme the next day, all arrangements are currently underway. We are in regular touch with the President's office," said Samarth Verma, Collector, Puri.
Verma, further added, "Accommodation arrangements have been made at a hotel with sufficient space so that everyone can be accommodated comfortably. The alternative arrangements were made owing to insufficient space for accommodation as well as in view of safety and security."
President Kovind will be on a two-day visit to the pilgrim city. He is scheduled to visit Srimandir from 5 pm to 5.45 pm on February 19 and the temple will remain closed for the general public from 4 pm till 6 pm on the same day.
While tight security arrangements are in place in Puri, a helicopter of the Indian Air Force conducted on Thursday. A 6-member team came in the chopper and conducted radio frequency testing. Moreover, the team also carried out landing trials technically.
It is pertinent to mention here that around 40 platoons of police force will be deployed for the overall security arrangements during the President’s visit to the pilgrim town. Around 200 officers will supervise the arrangements.