President Murmu's Atal Tunnel visit cancelled; Kullu Administration enforces tight security measures
Kullu, April 29
President Droupadi Murmu's proposed visit to the Atal Tunnel on April 29 has been cancelled due to inclement weather, according to an official communication from the President's Secretariat and confirmed by the Kullu district administration.
The visit was part of the President's scheduled tour of Himachal Pradesh from April 27 to May 1, which included halts at Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, Shimla, the Atal Tunnel, and Palampur. Authorities have been directed to take necessary action following the revised itinerary.
Before the cancellation, the Kullu district administration had made extensive preparations and enforced strict security protocols for the high-profile visit. District Magistrate Anurag Chandra Sharma had issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, across the Manali Police Station jurisdiction.
As per the initial plan, stringent restrictions were to be enforced on April 28 and 29. These orders prohibited individuals from carrying firearms, weapons, or ammunition along the entire route from the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel to the SASE Helipad in Manali, including all en route villages. The order exempted police, paramilitary, and army personnel on duty, as well as those authorised for the President's visit.
While security and logistical arrangements had been ramped up in and around Manali to ensure a smooth tour, officials are now expected to review and scale down these measures following the cancellation of the Atal Tunnel programme.
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Shimla on Monday for a five-day summer visit and was accorded a warm welcome at the Kalyani Helipad in Chharabra.
The President was received by Governor Kavinder Gupta and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. She was accorded a warm welcome on behalf of the people of the state.
Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania also welcomed the President and presented her with a bouquet, wishing her a pleasant and comfortable stay during her visit to the state.
According to officials, President Murmu is on a summer sojourn in Himachal Pradesh from April 27 to May 1 and was scheduled to visit various locations across the state.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It is good that the administration was proactive with security. But why cancel the whole tunnel visit? The weather in Himachal is unpredictable but not that bad usually. Is there something else they are not saying? 🤔
Security is paramount for the President, no doubt. But these last-minute cancellations waste a lot of taxpayer money in preparation. The administration should have a better contingency plan. Still, better safe than sorry. 👍
Kudos to the Kullu administration for the detailed planning under Section 163. The Atal Tunnel is a marvel of engineering, and it is a pity the President couldn't see it. Perhaps another time. 🌨️
The Chief Minister and Governor welcoming her at Shimla shows the respect the state has for the President. Hope her stay in Mashobra is pleasant despite the weather. Those summer sojourns are deserved. 🏔️
Cancellation might be disappointing for the local vendors and businesses who were expecting a boom due to the security deployment. The administration should think about the economic impact too. But safety first, I guess. 😔
A visit by the President to the Atal Tunnel is a symbolic gesture honouring our brave
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