TNR News Network
DHARAMSHALA:
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Himachal Pradesh on September 9, the Special Protection Group (SPG) has taken charge of the security arrangements in Dharamshala and Gaggal Airport area.
With the Prime Minister expected to conduct both ground meetings and an aerial survey of disaster-hit regions, the security detail has been elevated to the highest level.
The SPG, accompanied by central security officials and Himachal Police, held a closed-door review meeting on Sunday to finalise routes, deployment plans and crowd management strategies. Additional forces have been mobilized to secure critical areas, particularly near the airport and the meeting venue.
Central assessment teams already on the ground
Ahead of the PM’s arrival, two central teams from New Delhi have already arrived in Himachal to assess the damage caused by floods and landslides. One team is stationed in Kullu, while the other has reached Chamba. Their findings are expected to support the relief proposal that CM Sukhu will present to the Prime Minister during their scheduled interaction.
Meanwhile, preparations for the high-level meeting near Gaggal airport are underway. PM Modi will be briefed by key figures, including Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, MPs like Anurag Thakur and Rajiv Bhardwaj, and the state’s Chief Secretary. The meeting will include updates from departments such as Public Works, Disaster Management and Revenue.
Rising political stakes in disaster response
While security forces work to secure the region, political stakes are also rising. Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, who will attend the meeting with PM Modi, criticised the Sukhu government for what he termed “slow and inadequate relief efforts.” He highlighted issues such as blocked roads preventing apple farmers from transporting produce and lack of clarity on rehabilitation for displaced families.
“As the Prime Minister prepares to survey affected areas, including Kullu, Chamba and Mandi, expectations are high that his visit will lead to a larger central response to the state’s worst natural disaster in recent years,” said a Congress leader.
