Arrangements in full swing for International Yoga Day event in Visakhapatnam
Preparations are in full swing for the grand celebration of International Yoga Day scheduled for June 21. The entire Beach Road stretch from R.K. Beach to Bheemunipatnam is being extensively decorated, as the event is expected to draw nearly five lakh participants performing 'yogasanas' .
The stretch from Kali Matha Temple to The Park Hotel, which is considered as the major venue, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union Ministers, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, and other dignitaries will participate, is receiving special attention. Barricades have been installed along the footpaths for crowd control and safety.
As per the authorities, to accommodate the massive turnout, as many as 326 compartments are being set up along the stretch, each designed to hold between 1,000 and 1,300 participants. Mats are being laid, and each compartment will be equipped with a stage for yoga instructors and LED screens for better visibility and coordination. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) authorities are giving final touches to the greenery, landscaping and paint works.
Home Minister V. Anitha conducted a review meeting with MP M. Sribharat and other elected representatives. She said that the entire Beach Road stretch will be brought under surveillance of 2,000 CCTV cameras. She said that the city police is working in close coordination with the Prime Minister's security team to ensure there are no security issues.
50 snake catchers
Ms Anitha also said that keeping in view of the proximity to forest areas along the Beach Road stretch, spraying operations are being conducted to prevent snake intrusion. Additionally, around 50 snake catchers are going to be stationed at the site. At Jodugullapalem hillock, barricades were placed to prevent boulders from rolling onto the venue. She also said that healthcare and sanitation have been given top priority.
'A medical camp will be set up for every 1 km, supported by 200 ambulances. Additionally, three 10-bed hospitals will be operational at three separate places along the stretch. Following directions from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in view of participation of a large number of women, each compartment will have 10 bio-toilets,' she said.
The Home Minister also said that tribal students from ASR district, who previously created a record by performing 108 Surya Namaskars, will perform yogasanas at the Andhra University Engineering College grounds. She said that the previous world record for yoga participation stood at 1.5 lakh people at Surat in an event not attended by the Prime Minister. However, this event, with the Prime Minister in attendance, aims to set a new benchmark with a target of five lakh participants, she added.
Speaking about the parking places, the Home Minister said that as many as 75 designated parking spaces have been arranged. She also said that they have chalked out traffic plans in such a way that traffic flow will normalise within 30 minutes after the event concludes.
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