Ex-President Ram Nath Kovind today came on a four-day tour to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, during which the local administration deployed massive traffic and security measures. The visit has gained a significant amount of attention because the former President is supposed to visit a number of official and cultural programs during his visit. In order to have a smooth flow of his convoy and to provide security, the authorities have prohibited heavy traffic along specific designated VIP routes and issued an elaborate traffic diversion plan to citizens.
The district administration says that the ban on heavy vehicles was introduced to avoid congestion on small and hilly roads during the high-profile visit to Kumaon. Granting of tracks to trucks, buses or other heavy transport vehicles in routes allotted to VIP movement will not be permitted till after the visit is over. There has been the deployment of the traffic police in large numbers for the monitoring of major junctions and helping the commuters in using diversion routes. The administration has also urged the residents and tourists to ensure they make their travel arrangements to avoid inconvenience.
The trafficking department has released a detailed diversion plan to control the movement of vehicles. Alternative paths have been set for heavy vehicles joining the key places in Nainital, Almora and Pithoragarh districts. Smaller vehicles such as private cars and taxis will have some restrictions on which roads they can be permitted on some roads however, the administration has called on the drivers to be patient and obey the traffic officers. To avoid congestion in the parking area, special parking facilities are also arranged in the surroundings of the event venues.
The visit has led to the tightening of security in the entire Kumaon region. The local police, intelligence section and the administrative officials have been on the alert so that no incident goes by without any interference. Barricades are established at strategic locations, and there are also security checks at different locations. The police, district administration and protocol departments are maintaining coordination around the clock in order to coordinate the movements of the dignitary.
In his four-day trip, the former President Kovind will take part in a program of events associated with the fields of education, culture, and social welfare. The visit is also considered a step to encourage tourism and show the world the natural and cultural heritage of Kumaon. The administration has promised the population that the right steps have been taken to ensure that the balance of security and minimum inconvenience in normal activities has been met. Traffic will resume its normalcy as soon as the former President finishes his visit later this week.
