Arrangements at peak for I-Day fete, rain threat looms

Tirupati: The heavy rain that lashed Tirupati for two hours early in the morning on Sunday has caused worry to the district official machinery who were engaged in giving finishing touches to the arrangements for the I-day fete. As long as the downpour continued, there was severe tension among the officials.

The steps which they have taken already by filling the gravel in the ground wherever required and the BT road laid for march past have proved to be blessing in disguise as water did not stagnate anywhere despite such a heavy rain.

However, at some areas the makeshift roof got damaged and the staff have plunged into immediate action to rectify it once the rain stopped.

It was planned to organize a full-dress rehearsal at 8 am on Sunday which could not be done. But, District Collector and other officials have watched the cultural programmes of students at the Stadium in the afternoon. They inspected the arrangements also. Senior level police officials reviewed the situation with their staff and held a rehearsal of presenting the medals. The feats on motor cycles of police personnel were conducted.

Speaking to the media at the Stadium, the Collector PS Pradyumna said that though it is a state event, all arrangements have been completed reflecting local flavour. The back side of the main dais will reflect the Tirumala hills while the Chandragiri fort will resemble the rear side of the march past team. State level awards presentation and felicitations to freedom fighters will be there.

Around 5580 people can sit in the ground and watch the parade. Among these, 2160 seats were allotted to VIPs. Students have been giving priority to watch the event, collector said. Steps have been taken to make the pass holders not face any problem even if there is heavy rain.

The feats on bikes by the staff of police battalions will be a feast to the viewers, Collector said. The Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will reach Tirupati at 4 pm on Monday for a two- day tour. He will inaugurate the 260 houses which were built in Avilala Panchayat for the downtrodden and participate in a public meeting there, said the Collector in a press release.

He will also inaugurate the ACB office, Intelligence office and Vigilance and Enforcement office, which were built with Rs.1.7, Rs.3 and Rs.2.20 crore respectively. The CM will also inaugurate Self Help groups in E-commerce and online trading at Sri Padmavathi Guest House.

Through video conference Naidu will inaugurate the training on organic farming in Kuppam. Later he will participate in party meeting. After participating in the Independence Day programmes at Tarakarama Stadium on Tuesday from 8.55 am to 11.25 am he will depart for Rajamahendravaram.