All set for F1H2O boat race in Krishna river

Vijayawada: All set for the launching of F1H2O international boat racing competitions in Krishna river on Friday. The three-day mega boat racing is one of the important events being conducted by the Department of Tourism in the capital region of Amaravati.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will flag off the race at 3 p.m. on Friday on the first day and will also attend the prize distribution programme on the concluding day on November 18.

AP Tourism Department Managing Director Himanshu Shukla, District Collector B Lakshmikantham and other officials inspected the arrangements and participated in the road show conducted on Thursday on MG Road.

Nine teams are participating in the mega event. District Collector B Lakshmikantham said that the first day (Nov 16) is allocated for preparations and racing competitions in Krishna river will be held on November 17 and 18.

He said 20 minutes boat racing will be held on November 17 from 2.30 p.m. to 2.50 p.m. Again the racing will be held in two sessions on November 18 from 3.15 p.m. to 3.35 p.m. and F1 Grand Prix race from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will distribute the prizes on November 18 at 5 p.m. He said river front area has been divided into 12 zones and seating arrangements have almost been completed.

The Collector expects that about one lakh people will watch the boating event where high speed boats compete in the race with 250 km per hour. He said vehicle parking is provided for private vehicles near Bhavanipuram Darga area, lorry stand and on Swathi theatre Road and Venkateswara Foundry road. He said about 2000 passes distributed for the event and facilities provided at the Berm Park for watching the event.

Flyover bridge pillars are decorated with greenery and illuminated with special lighting. Play toys were arranged under the flyover bridge where kids can have fun during the three days. Viewing of boat race is prohibited on Prakasam Barrage.

Commissioner of police Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said to the media that 1000 police personnel are drafted for the duty for three day event. He said 600 police from other districts and 400 from Krishna district drafted for the duty. He said entire stretch of river front is closely monitored with CC cameras.