Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Saturday, 9 May conducted a ground inspection of the proposed roadshow route and reviewed security and logistics arrangements at Sagar Darshan in Gir Somnath, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Somnath Temple on 11 May for the 'Somnath Amrit Parv'. The PM is expected to visit the precincts of the first Jyotirlinga, where multiple official programmes are planned as part of the commemorative event.

Ground Inspection Details

Sanghavi conducted a foot inspection covering the entire designated roadshow stretch — from the helipad to Hamirji Gohil Circle and up to the temple premises. During the walk-through, he assessed arrangements for security deployment, traffic regulation, barricading, road infrastructure, and crowd movement planning. Officials accompanying him were directed to ensure coordinated execution of responsibilities across departments.

Review Meeting at Sagar Darshan

Following the site visit, a detailed review meeting was held at Sagar Darshan, where senior officials discussed the Prime Minister's arrival and departure routes, roadshow and public meeting venues, parking facilities, traffic management systems, crowd control measures, and medical and emergency services. Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi reviewed inter-departmental coordination mechanisms and examined the allocation of responsibilities among various agencies involved in the arrangements. He directed officials to ensure seamless integration of planning and execution so that movement and public gathering processes remain orderly and secure.

Heat Mitigation Measures

Given the prevailing summer conditions, specific attention was given to heat mitigation measures during the review. Arrangements including the installation of water sprinklers, the provision of drinking water points, and the distribution of buttermilk were reviewed to reduce inconvenience to citizens expected to gather along the route and at programme venues. Large-scale public participation is anticipated during the scheduled programmes at the coastal temple town.

Senior Officials Present

The review meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani, Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, State Energy Minister Kaushik Vekariya, MP Rajesh Chudasama, MLAs Bhagwan Barad and Aniruddh Dave, along with senior administrative officials including Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar and other departmental representatives. The review and inspection form part of final preparations being undertaken in the run-up to the Prime Minister's visit to Somnath.

With the 'Somnath Amrit Parv' now days away, all eyes will be on whether the multi-agency coordination translates into a smooth and secure event at one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites.