JAISALMER: Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reached Pachpadra on Friday night to review the final preparations for the inauguration of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery. He inspected the venue of Saturday’s programme, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and directed officials to give the finishing touches to all arrangements.The chief minister also visited the refinery’s Control Room and various processing units before chairing a review meeting with senior officials. He instructed departments to ensure seamless arrangements, keeping in view the possibility of rain during the monsoon season.Sharma emphasized that adequate drinking water, seating arrangements, and medical facilities should be provided for the public. He also directed security agencies to work in close coordination to ensure foolproof security and make the event a historic occasion.Officials informed the Chief Minister that all districts of Rajasthan would be connected virtually to the main programme at Pachpadra. Through district-level events across the state, nearly 7.5 million people are expected to witness the historic inauguration of the Rajasthan Refinery.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate India’s first Greenfield Integrated Refinery-Cum-Petrochemical Complex to the nation from Pachpadra on July 4, along with inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for several major development projects.Among those present during the review were Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, former Union Minister Kailash Choudhary, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Joraram Kumawat, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joga Ram Patel, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce K.K. Bishnoi, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar Sharma, local public representatives, and senior officials of HRRL and the district administration.
Storm Damages Hoardings, Reinstalled Before PM’s Visit
Across Pachpadra and along the roads leading to the refinery, large hoardings, banners, and cut-outs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been installed ahead of the event. However, heavy rain and strong winds on Friday night damaged many of them. The displays were restored and reinstalled on Saturday morning before the Prime Minister’s arrival.
Tight Security, Limited Attendance
Due to security considerations, this year’s programme will be a small-scale event inside the refinery premises instead of a large public rally. Entry has been restricted, and around 5,000 people are expected to attend the event.For those unable to attend in person, the programme will be broadcast live on LED screens at the district headquarters as well as in towns and villages across the district, enabling a larger audience to witness the historic occasion.
Prime Minister’s Schedule
According to the proposed itinerary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will depart Jodhpur by helicopter at 11:20 a.m. on July 4 and arrive at Pachpadra around 12:00 noon. He will dedicate the Rajasthan Refinery Project to the nation and address the gathering before departing from Pachpadra at approximately 2:00 p.m., after a two-hour programme.
