SHILLONG: Ahead of President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Shillong and the revered Mawphlang Sacred Grove on January 16, authorities have issued a traffic advisory, on Thursday.
Aimed at ensuring the seamless movement of the VVIP and minimise inconveniences to the public during the visit, the administration has sought cooperation of the public.
As a precautionary measure, vehicular traffic will be halted for a duration of 30 minutes leading up to President Murmu’s scheduled arrival at all major traffic junctions on Tuesday, the local press reported.
The advisory also urges the public, to refrain from unnecessary travel towards Mawngap and the vicinity of Shillong city on the specified date.
To ensure the continuous functioning of emergency services, vehicles associated with such services will be permitted to ply during the restricted period through the city.
ALSO READ President Murmu to inaugurate Meghalaya Games 2024 in Tura on January 15
Earlier, on January 10, strict COVID-19 protocols were laid out in preparation for President’s visit.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, mandated the adherence to COVID-19 protocols for all officials, including drivers and security staff during the visit.
Officials and dignitaries meeting the President, along with the staff, are required to undergo an RT-PCR test for COVID-19 within the last 72 hours before the event, with results available before the President’s arrival.
As per the guidelines, individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, or any other influenza-like symptoms will not be assigned duties during the President’s visit.
The government has also stressed on a minimal presence of dignitaries during the reception and seeing-off ceremonies, with a directive against presenting gifts, flowers, mementos, or shawls at the venues.
Group photographs are strictly regulated and must be cleared by the President’s Secretariat, and venues will undergo thorough sanitisation to ensure safety and hygiene during the visit.
