Preparations are underway at war footing for the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Muktinath, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site in Mustang.

Chief District Officer Sishir Poudel said security has been heightened throughout the district with the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, the Nepal Army and the National Investigation Department conducting security surveillance

Arrangements have also been made for emergency medical service while the 76 km Beni-Jomsom road which is otherwise closed for eight hours daily for repair and maintenance has been opened for three days in view of Modi’s  visit.

A team from India, including the officials of the Indian Army, arrived in Mustang on Wednesday to take stock of  the security situation and the preparations for the Indian prime minister’s visit.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in Muktinath from Janakpur on a helicopter on May 11.

There are two helipads near Muktinath and a third one is being constructed, CDO Poudel said.

Modi’s visit to Muktinath is expected to further strengthen the Nepal-India relations at the people to people level and promote religious tourism, said Chandra Bahadur Thakali, a civil society leader.

A committee has been constituted under the coordination of Chhemchok Chheten Gurung, chairman of  Bhragaon Muktikshetra Rural Municipality, to welcome the Indian prime minister.