Agra spruces up for Obama's visit

Agra is gearing up to welcome US President Barack Obama who is scheduled to arrive in India on the occasion of the 66th Republic Day Jan 26.

Unprecedented security arrangements are underway, as Obama will visit this city of the Taj Mahal on the following day (Jan 27).

Though neither the district administration nor the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are divulging any details, a lot of activity and movement of various personnel is taking place in the city.

Agra seems to be preparing at a feverish pitch to greet Obama as the city's Mall road, VIP road and the stretch from Shilpgram complex to the Taj Mahal's eastern gate are being spruced up; painted, cleaned, repaired.

The ASI is tending the gardens, strengthening the fencing and the wires. The VIP washrooms are also being given a fresh look.

Residents are excited and looking forward to the US president's historic visit.

On Monday afternoon and Tuesday, despite the thick fog, teams of American security personnel visited the Taj Mahal, examined each nook and corner, photographed and drew sketches.

They also sought many details from ASI officials N.K. Pathak and Munazzar Ali as senior police officials accompanied the US security officials.

Though officially the ASI continues to maintain that the Taj Mahal will be closed only Tuesday during the VIP visit, ASI sources said tourists will be denied entry Monday and Tuesday till the US president leaves.

District authorities claimed having no information if the US president will arrive in Agra by plane at Kheria airport, or the Yamuna Expressway or the national highway.

Some residents are surprised over the administration undertaking several measures without any clear roadmap about the visit.

"If he is coming by plane then what is the logic in suspending traffic on the highways for two days. People in Mathura are also anxious to know his programme as a large number of pilgrims may be visiting the holy towns after Basant Panchmi on January 25," said Vrindavan's Madhu Mangal, a priest.

The 30-member US security team has been in town for the past several days. A dog squad is already stationed in a posh hotel, sources said.

The team members, staying in hotel Mughal, have been briefed about restrictions and the rules of entry by the ASI officials. The US team is scrutinising the list of ASI officials who would be on duty at the time of Obama's visit.

The team visited the Taj Mahal Tuesday to study the security aspects.

On Dec 16, another team had taken an overview of the facilities and the access points.

A tentative programme for the US president's Agra visit may involve ASI officials and the district administration welcome to the dignitaries at the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal.

After photographs on the video platform, the party will climb down the staircase and another photo session on the central tank. The party will climb the main structure from the staircase in the middle of the Chameli Farsh (riverfront terrace).

Thereafter, Obama would have a look of the intricate inlay work. Then he will walk back to the video platform at the main gate, where he is expected to pen his thoughts in the visitors' book.