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Clinton to visit Bhuj, Ratnal, Anjaar and Bhachau

Bill Clinton will visit Bhuj, Ratnal, Anjaar and Bhachau in Kutch.

The former United States president will visit the quake-hit state on April 4-5 to see the devastation wrecked by the quake and the ongoing relief work.

The US-based American India Foundation is organising Clinton's visit.

On Thursday, Mike Patel, one of the AIF's founders, Anita Gupta, Digvijay Gaikwad, Raju Bhatt, the India-based co-ordinator of AIF, and six members of Clinton's security detail surveyed the quake-affected areas in two helicopters to finalise his itinerary and security. The team had shortlisted 15 towns for Clinton's visit.

"Clinton's route will be Bhuj-Ratnal-Anjaar-Bhachau. We discussed it with the local authorities on Thursday," Mike Patel told rediff.com

The team flew over Bhuj and later drove to Ratnal, Anjaar and Bhachau. While planning the itinerary, the main concerns were the best use of Clinton's time and, of course, his security.

After visiting the quake-hit areas, the team met with senior government officers in Bhuj -- Lavendru Mansingh, chief co-ordinator of relief work, Bhuj Collector Anil Mukim, Deputy Inspector General of Police Anoop Kumar Singh and Deputy Superintendent of Police Vivek Shrivastav.

The Gujarat government plans to make a presentation on its relief operations for Clinton's benefit.

The logistics of arranging Clinton's visit is daunting.

The Gujarat government does not have bullet-proof cars suitable for Clinton's status; all it has is a fleet of bullet-proof Ambassadors.

At most places, debris has made the lanes narrower and badly damaged buildings in the vicinity of the sites Clinton might visit only add to the danger.

"Our aim is to ensure that the quake victims get maximum benefit out of Clinton's visit," Raju Bhatt said. "We decided on Anjaar because we want Clinton to visit the spot where 400 school kids got crushed under falling buildings. It's an emotional issue for us."

"We will finalise the menu, which is likely to include bajri rotla, khichdi (mix of lentils and rice) and kadhi (curd mixed with gram flour), for Clinton on Friday night," he said.

Mike Patel and his team will fly to New Delhi on Friday to meet Manbir Singh, chief of protocol at the ministry of external affairs, to arrange for better automobiles and, possibly, special aircraft for their guest.

The Complete Coverage | List of earthquake sites

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