Indore/Omkareshwar, Jun 17 (IANS) Security has been tightened across Madhya Pradesh in view of President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled two-day visit to Omkareshwar. Director General of Police Kailash Makwana has instructed police officials in all districts to remain extra vigilant and ensure smooth maintenance of law and order during this period. President Murmu is on five-day visit to Madhya Pradesh.  She is set to arrive in Omkareshwar via Indore on June 18. On her arrival, she will offer prayers and have darshan at the revered Jyotirlinga shrine. The following day, on June 19, an official event will be held to mark World Sickle Cell Day. 

To facilitate the visit, traffic arrangements in Omkareshwar will undergo major changes from June 17 until 12 p.m. on June 19. The President will be welcomed at Indore airport by ministers, public representatives, and senior officials. The mode of her travel from Indore to Omkareshwar — by helicopter or road — is yet to be finalised and will depend on weather conditions.  The administration in Indore has already made elaborate preparations for her arrival, senior officials said. 

The official confirmation of her proposed visit is yet to be announced by the President’s secretariat. Speaking to IANS, Khandwa district magistrate Rishav Gupta appealed to devotees for cooperation, saying, “The President’s visit is scheduled for June 18 and 19 at Omkareshwar. On June 18, she will offer prayers at the Jyotirlinga. There may be some inconvenience to the public during this period, and we request everyone’s support.” 

Heavy vehicular movement has been diverted through alternative routes to avoid congestion. Vehicles en route from Indore to Khandwa will take routes via Mhow-Manpur-Dhamnod-Khargone, Simrol-Mandleshwar-Kasrawad-Khargone, or Barwaha-Mandleshwar-Kasrawad-Khargone. Similarly, traffic moving from Khandwa towards Indore will proceed via Bhikangaon-Khargone-Kasrawad, while vehicles from Mandleshwar will use the Kasrawad-Khalghat route. Small vehicles arriving from Indore will be directed to park at Trenching Ground and Tamrakar Parking via Barwaha-Mortakka-Sanawad, from where devotees can walk for darshan and the holy dip.

Vehicles coming from the Mundi side will also park at the same locations via Sanawad. Buses from both Indore and Khandwa will be parked at Mortakka. A section of the road will be temporarily declared a ‘no-vehicle zone’ while the President’s convoy passes through. The local administration has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the visit goes smoothly while minimising inconvenience to devotees and the general public. 

--IANS