Kerala governor P Sathasivam to inaugurate boat race tomorrow

ALAPPUZHA: Governor P. Sathasivam will inaugurate the 64th Nehru Trophy Boat Race to be held at Punnamada Lake here on Saturday. As many as 72 boats, including 22 snake boats, would participate in the event. District collector R. Girija said all arrangements had been made for the smooth conduct of the boat race. The race in the smaller categories would begin at 11 a.m,  the chundan competition for the coveted Nehru Trophy at 2.30 p.m. and the race would end by  4.30 p.m.

Tickets worth Rs 5 lakh have already been sold online. The state government has allotted Rs 1.25 crore as aid to the mega event.   The title sponsor has donated 40 lakh to the NTBR society. No complimentary passes were issued this year.  A revenue of Rs 2.5 crore  is  expected.   Tight security has also been made for the race.  There will be medical teams  and quick reaction teams of the police to handle any emergency situation,  the collector  said.

“Seating arrangements have been made for 17,000 people. Nehru Pavilion has been reserved for VVIPs and VIPs. Pavilion for the people with tickets have been arranged  on the main land,’’ said the collector. The traffic will be closed from district court bridge north junction to Thathampally Kurisady junction from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The vehicles coming from Thanneermukkom and Ernakulam side  should be parked on the SDV school ground while those from Changanassery area on the St Antony’s school and Carmel school grounds.  The entry of heavy vehicles will not be allowed in the town from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The heavy vehicles can be  parked on the Kalarkode bypass and Kommadi bypass, the police said.