ALAPPUZHA: Punnamada Lake is all set for the 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The grand water carnival, featuring a total of 71 boats, will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will grace the occasion as chief guests.
A total of 22 Snake Boats (Chundan Vallam) will compete in the flagship event. In the Iruttukuthi category, three boats will compete in A-Grade, 16 in B-Grade, and 14 in C-Grade. The Veppu boat category features nine boats in total, with five competing in Veppu A-Grade and four in Veppu B-Grade.
The races will commence at 11:00 AM with the heats for smaller boats. The official inauguration will take place at 2:00 PM, prior to which the heats for smaller boats will be concluded. The heats for the prestigious Snake Boats will be held after 2:00 PM. The final races for all categories, including smaller boats, are scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM.
Modern technical arrangements, including photo-finish technology and automated starting systems, have been fully set up for the smooth conduct of the event.
Entry passes are mandatory to watch the boat race. Only pass holders will be allowed access to the galleries. Police will conduct strict checks using special barricades erected on the roads leading to the venue. QR code-enabled tickets have been introduced for verification. Strict action will be taken against those attempting to enter without valid passes, and legal action will be initiated against anyone presenting fake passes.
In view of the boat race, a local holiday has been declared for all educational institutions in Alappuzha district today. However, scheduled public examinations will proceed without any change. All KSEB offices in the district will also remain closed today, and cash counters will not function.
Traffic restrictions have been put in place in Alappuzha town starting from 9:00 AM today in connection with the boat race. Vehicles will not be allowed towards the Alappuzha KSRTC bus stand between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Spectators arriving to watch the event must park their vehicles at the Recreation Ground or under the elevated bypass on the southern side of the Alappuzha Beach Police Aid Post. KSRTC will operate feeder bus services at regular intervals from near the Alappuzha Police Parade Ground to the Boat Jetty area.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com