In wake of Bird flu in the State, Gujarat Government has issued guidelines for hotels in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar not to serve chicken to VVIP guests during Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) to be held during 10th to 13th January.
The decision has been taken by the State Health Department following 19 birds – turkeys and guinea fowl tested positive for the H5N1 strain of the influenza virus. Already more than 1,600 birds were culled near Ahmedabad in Hathijan area as per the norms of Central Government and alert issued in 10 km radius of the poultry farm where the birds were tested positive for H5N1.
Sources said that a team from National Institute of Virology (NIV) have already arrived in Ahmedabad to take control of the situation. According to them, food to be offered to VVIPs coming from all across the globe would be monitored by officials of State Drug and Food department. They informed that other non-veg delicacies, especially sea-food would be included in the menus of different hotels.
“At the official State Government functions only vegetarian dishes served to the guests. Hence at the venue of VGGS 2017, there would be no issue of including or withdrawing chicken or other non-vegetarian delicacies. We are taking extra care of our guests as they may order such delicacies in the hotels where they would be given accommodations,” said a senior official responsible for accommodation of VVIPs coming to attend VGGS.
“Nearly 1500 international guests would be staying at 25 luxury hotels of Ahmedabad. All the hotels were instructed not to serve chicken and eggs related delicacies during VGGS,” said the sources, adding that an emergency response team has been formed as part of precaution.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday unfurled 100 meter high National Flag on the Science City campus as run-up to the 8th edition of biennial Vibrant Gujarat Summit-2017 beginning next week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend Nobel laureates Conclave at the Science City on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, Rupani said the flat hoisted on a 100 feet high mast measures 30 feet long and 20 feet wide. The tricolor reflects India’s pride, grandeur and splendor. He said that the Science City is set to become the biggest event centre for conferences and conventions during the Summit. He also went around the campus to see the preparations.
Referring to the Vibrant Gujarat Summits being held since 2003, CM Rupani said the initiative has resulted in not only huge investment coming to Gujarat but sharing knowledge with global institutions. It has resulted in the state emerging as the growth engine of the nation, creating job opportunities too.