US president Barack Obama's visit to Mumbai is not good news for many section of Mumbaikars whose livelihoods have been affected by stringent security arrangements. Operations of about 80 ferry launches that ply from Gateway of India have been suspended for three days.
"In the past we have suspended our operations for about 3-4 hours for a VIP visit. This is the first time that we have been asked to suspend operations for three days," said Rajendra Padte, the sarpanch of Gharapuri (Elephanta) Island. It will be a not-so-good Diwali for the launch operators and Elephanta island's inhabitants, who solely depend on tourism for their livelihood. "We were expecting a windfall owing to the weekend and festival season, tourists would flock to the ferry launches and island. However since the most important person is visiting Mumbai, we have been asked to suspend operations," said Padte. During the three days the ferry launches and the island was expecting about 10000 tourists.
The operations of ferry launches have been suspended as it falls within the 5 km radius of the POTUS (President of the United States) that has been sanitised for his security. The ferry launches have been relocated from Gateway of India and anchored at Daru Khana, Bhaucha Dhakka and Gharapuri island.
Eleven roads close to the Taj Mahal Hotel where Obama is expected to stay would be closed from 0600 hrs on Saturday till 1600 hrs on Sunday. It will not be the same Diwali for those living near the Taj Mahal Hotel as firecrackers have been prohibited till Obama leaves the city. After landing in the Mumbai airport, Obama would fly on a helicopter to INS Shikra and then be driven to the Taj Mahal Hotel.
Meanwhile Air Force one that and other aircrafts accompanying it is expected to disturb the commercial flight schedule by an hour at the Mumbai Airport on Saturday. About 5000 security personnel including those from American security, NSG commandos, Mumbai Police and intelligence officials would be on high alert gaurding the most important person on the planet during his two-day stay in the city.
