Surat goes green to welcome PM Modi

Surat: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Surat on Friday to mark World Environment Day, the city is rolling out a high-profile event that doubles as a showcase of its clean-city credentials — banning plastics, promoting green mobility and unveiling projects worth over Rs 18,000 crore for South Gujarat.The Indoor Stadium, where the Prime Minister will address a large gathering, has enforced a complete ban on plastic and thermocol. Dignitaries, BJP workers and govt officials have been encouraged to use electric vehicles, bicycles or to carpool, aligning with the PM’s call for austerity and sustainability.Highlighting Surat’s rise as India’s cleanest city, the venue features bamboo installations by tribal artisans, sculptures made from waste, and eco-friendly rangoli designs. The main stage backdrop has been created entirely from recycled fabric by faculty and students of Fine Arts College, along with local artists.In place of flex banners and artificial decor, organisers have opted for hand-painted hoardings and sculptures crafted from discarded materials, turning waste into functional art. More than 5,000 artworks created by citizens on environmental themes have been incorporated into the event décor to boost public participation.Ahead of the visit, BJP workers will plant 40,000 saplings across the city between 7am and 8am under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. The Prime Minister is also likely to plant a tree during his visit.BOX:PM to land in Surat at 2pmPrime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to begin his South Gujarat visit on Thursday afternoon, with his arrival in Surat expected at 2pm. From the airport, he will travel to Larsen & Toubro’s engineering and defence facility at the Hazira industrial complex, where he will spend around 45 minutes.He will then return to the airport and proceed to Indoor Stadium, reaching around 4.15pm. At the event, he will dedicate projects worth over Rs 18,000 crore to South Gujarat and address a large gathering.He is expected to leave the stadium around 5.15pm for Daman. In the evening, he will launch 56 projects worth Rs 2,970 crore, including Namo Airport and Namo Hospital in Daman.