President Murmu's Jalandhar Convocation Visit Cancelled Due to Bad Weather
President Droupadi Murmu's planned visit to Jalandhar in Punjab faced cancellation on Friday. Officials confirmed adverse weather conditions led to this decision. The President was scheduled to attend the 21st convocation ceremony of Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar.
Event Details and Presidential Role
President Murmu was set to serve as the chief guest at this significant academic event. Her presence aimed to inspire young graduates and motivate them towards technological innovation and nation-building. During the ceremony, she was supposed to award degrees to 1,452 students from various programmes.
These programmes included BTech, MTech, MBA, MSc, and PhD. Additionally, 31 meritorious students were to receive gold medals from the President for their outstanding academic performance. The NIT administration emphasized the importance of her attendance for encouraging the next generation of innovators.
Weather Concerns and Safety Measures
Poor visibility and safety concerns arising from unfavourable weather directly caused the visit's cancellation. Authorities prioritized security and logistical challenges posed by the adverse conditions. This decision followed careful assessment of the risks involved.
In preparation for the President's proposed tour, the Jalandhar district administration implemented extensive security arrangements. On orders from the Additional District Magistrate, the district was declared a no flying zone from January 14 to January 16.
During this period, strict prohibitions were enforced on the use of drones, private helicopters, remote-controlled aircraft, and hot air balloons. Security agencies took control of the convocation venue and established a multi-layered security cordon around it.
Traffic Management and Public Convenience
Traffic police implemented route diversions to ensure smooth movement and minimize inconvenience to the general public. These measures aimed to balance security needs with daily life in Jalandhar. The cancellation, while disappointing, reflects the administration's commitment to safety protocols.
The event highlights how weather can impact high-profile governmental schedules. It also underscores the meticulous planning involved in presidential visits across India.
