Amid fertile agricultural lands and in the presence of a galaxy of dignitaries, including Ministers from foreign countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation for Amaravati, the futuristic capital of Andhra Pradesh, at a grand ceremony on Thursday.
On the eve of the ceremony, a huge security blanket was thrown over the venue, with all access to the main stage sealed. However, a festive atmosphere pervaded Uddandarayunipalem and the surrounding villages, with families from all over the broader capital area turning up to see the decorations and local farmers sitting around in groups to discuss what is to become of them and their villages.
The authorities are expecting 1.5 lakh-2 lakh people to attend the historic event. The discussion in political circles centred on the possibility of Mr. Modi announcing financial assistance to the Andhra Pradesh government for building the capital.
More than 15,000 policemen from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka and paramilitary forces have been deployed at the venue and at the vantage points along seven routes leading to the site, and to escort VVIPs. Twenty-five closed-circuit TV cameras have been installed at the venue.
Banners and festoons hailing the construction of the capital were seen at many places leading to the venue.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu flew over the core area of the capital in a helicopter and sprinkled holy water and soil brought from 16,000 villages across the State.
