CHENNAI: With the crucial Modi-Xi summit close approaching, officials are taking all-out efforts to beef up security and revamp the place at war footing. A day after a massive Buddha statue was established at the entrance of the historic shore temple, a special team led by Tamilnadu Chief Secretary K.Shanmugam visited the site today to review the proceedings. Work to lay new footpaths and roads is reportedly underway.
The Chief Secretary has also directed two temporary mobile towers present near the famous Krishna’s butterball structure to be relocated, citing security reasons. All encroachments near Arjuna’s tapasu structure will also be removed in a day or two, said sources.
A security team from China is also expected to flow down to Chennai in the first week of October to review the security arrangements. Meanwhile, the entire town has come under CCTV cover. At least 500 police personnel are said to have been employed at the venue. The police have also verified the Aadhar cards of the residents. Surfing and other beach activities have also been put on halt for now along with banning the use of single-use plastic inside the venue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping will be staying in the coastal town from October 11 to October 13.
The two world leaders are likely to visit several monuments in the coastal town including Pancha Rathas, Shore Temple, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Arjuna Cave, etc.
