Karaikal declared ‘no fly zone’ for Amit Shah’s visit

The Karaikal district administration has declared the district a “no fly zone” on Saturday in view of the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

In an order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, District Collector Ishita Rathi prohibited the flying of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, and other aerial devices in Karaikal district for the day. The order stated that the restriction was imposed as a precautionary measure to strengthen security arrangements during the Minister’s visit.

The police have announced traffic diversions from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on February 14. Vehicles travelling between Porayar and Nagapattinam will be rerouted via Thiruvettakudy Arch, Karaikal Medu, VOC East Bypass, Layon Shanzhan Street, Mahatma Gandhi Beach Road, and Kamarajar Salai. Diversions have been put in place for vehicles moving between Nagapattinam and Thirunallar and between Porayar and Thirunallar, through designated interior roads.

Parking has been earmarked for the day with two-wheelers to be accommodated at Muruga Ram cinema and the Karaikal Market Committee premises, and four-wheelers at Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi West Bypass. Action will be taken against unauthorised parking.

The Excise Department has ordered the closure of arrack, toddy, and liquor shops and bars in select stretches of the district from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on February 14 to facilitate security arrangements.