SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, July 28: Dhanbad coal city is being decked up like a fortified venue for the upcoming visit of President Droupadi Murmu on August 1.
The President will be the chief guest at the 45th Annual Convocation of the 99-year-old IIT (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren are also expected to attend the ceremony.
Security Tightened; No-Fly Zone Declared
In view of the President’s visit, Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan has declared the Barwadda airstrip and adjoining areas a no-fly zone for 32 hours, from 10 am on July 31 to 6 pm on August 1. The leave of all senior district officials has been cancelled for two days.
For security reasons, activities such as drone flying, paragliding, hot air ballooning, and other aerial sports will remain banned during this period.
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One-Hour Stop for Convocation Ceremony
As per the official schedule, the President will spend one hour in Dhanbad. She is expected to arrive at 12 noon and leave at 1 pm, after attending the convocation ceremony at IIT ISM.
Since the President’s convoy will travel from Barwadda Airstrip to the IIT ISM campus through the city’s main roads, massive beautification and clearance drives have been undertaken.
Encroachments along key routes have been removed, and walls on either side have been painted with vibrant depictions of Jharkhand’s art and culture.
The stretch of NH-32, passing through the heart of the city, has also been cleared and decorated from IIT ISM to Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital, Saraidhela.
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Second Presidential Visit to IIT ISM
Droupadi Murmu will be the second President of India to attend a convocation at IIT ISM. Former President Pranab Mukherjee was the first, when he graced the 36th Convocation on May 10, 2014.
Established in 1926, ISM Dhanbad was granted the status of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) on September 6, 2016.
Vice President’s Visit in 2023
Two years ago, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar attended the 43rd Convocation of IIT ISM on December 11, 2023, marking another significant visit by a constitutional authority to the premier institute.
