India is all set to welcome US president Donald Trump in Ahmedabad on Feb 24. Gujarat government has reportedly spent a whopping Rs 80-85 crore on the preparations. According to Reuters, this expenditure is equivalent to about 1.5 % of the annual budget of Gujarat. Preparations are underway in Agra too as both Trump and the First Lady will be paying the city a short visit. Here's how Ahmedabad is preparing for this special visit.
Sprucing up the Yamuna
Ahead of Trump's visit, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has released 500 cusecs or 14,160 litres of water in the Yamuna from the Ganganahar to improve the river's condition in Agra. The department's Superintending Engineer Dharmender Singh Phogat said that it aims to maintain a certain level of water in the Yamuna till February 24. Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) said that the move was likely to reduce the 'foul smell' from Yamuna.
Beefing up security
Security has been beefed up outside the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad where Trump will address a huge crowd of more than 1 lakh people. The city has turned into a fortress. The US Hercules plane and another US Air Force aircraft have arrived ahead of Trump. More than 12000 police officers have been deployed in the city. Almost Rs 40 crore have been spent on security in Gujarat.
The wall
The government of PM Modi's home state Gujarat has constructed a wall along the road connecting the Sardar Vallabhbhai airport to Indira bridge. A slum lies right behind the wall. Trees have been cut down and new ones planted to welcome the president. Not just this, electric poles and pillars of the under-constructed metro system have been painted. Activists are upset with the demolition of huts behind the wall. Forty five families living there have been issued eviction notices.
Billboards and lighting
The beautification drive has gripped the entire city. Workers have been seen preparing banners and hoardings for the arrival.
The road showThe road show will take place on a 22 km stretch in Ahmedabad and will be on the lines of the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston. The walls of Ahmedabad and Gujarat, from airport to the venue have been painted with striking colors along with the strong slogans and messages depicting Indo-US strong friendship.
World's largest cricket stadiumPresident Trump will address the event called 'Namaste Trump' at the Motera stadium which is the world's largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 1,10,000. Workers are rushing to complete the stadium which will host the grand spectacle.