Alappuzha: The stage is primed for the renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) as the final preparations for the world's most competitive and beloved regatta approach completion.

With just over a day left until the commencement of the 69th Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR), the town of Alappuzha, serving as the gateway to Punnamada Lake, is alive with festive fervor. Streets are adorned with decorations, and the air resonates with the pulsating rhythms of vanchipattu (boat songs), echoing ceaselessly throughout the neighborhoods.

A total of 72 boats, including 19 snake boats (chundan vallams), will compete in nine categories for the coveted silver trophy this year. The racing track spans approximately 1,400 meters, with four 10-meter wide lanes on the eastern side. Among the categories, the chundan vallam race captivates the audience the most. The snake boat category consists of five heats, from which the top four boats, based on heat timings, will advance to the final round. A maximum of 95 personnel can man a snake boat.

The reigning champion, Palluruthy Boat Club from Alappuzha, having secured a hat trick of victories, will row the 'Veeyapuram Chundan' this time. Other contenders include the United Boat Club from Kainakary with 'Nadubhagom', the Police Boat Club with 'Mahadevikaad Kaatil Thekkethil', and the Punnamada Boat Club with 'Devas Chundan'.

Efficient Monitoring Systems in Place: The race is scheduled to begin at 11 am on Saturday (August 12) with the preliminary rounds featuring smaller boats. The snake boat heats will follow after the inaugural session. The final rounds are set to take place from 4 pm onwards. The construction of the Nehru Pavilion and temporary galleries is in its final stages. Additionally, mechanized starting and photo-finishing systems will be installed, and video cameras will be positioned to monitor adherence to race rules.

Special boats and buses have been arranged to transport spectators to and from the race venue. Attendees with race passes are expected to report by 10 am.

Distinguished Dignitaries and Safety Regulations: The inaugural session will be graced by the presence of Kerala High Court Chief Justice Ashish J Desai, Southern Air Command's commander-in-chief Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikandan, and five state ministers.

In terms of safety, the grants for boat clubs have been raised by 10 percent. Following a serious incident during the Chambakkulam Moolam boat race, regulations regarding speed boats and drones have been enforced. Anyone entering the lake during the race will be subject to arrest. Furthermore, a new rule mandates that all female rowers must wear a uniform tracksuit and jersey instead of a sari. This change has been welcomed by the boat clubs as it enhances safety in case of accidents.

An International Audience: Organizers are delighted by the remarkable response to this year's annual regatta. "Online ticket sales have already generated Rs 15 lakh. A substantial number of foreigners are coming to witness this unique water sport," shared a senior official from the NTBR society. A group of 60 expatriates from 16 countries, including Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, France, Israel, South Africa, New Zealand, and Mauritius, will be attending the snake boat race as part of the 'Know India' program by the Ministry of External Affairs. Special seating arrangements have also been made for 50 differently-abled children.

A significant contingent of around 2,000 police personnel is being deployed to ensure security. Medical teams with ambulances will be stationed at various points, including the Starting Point and the Finishing Point.

Meanwhile, the NTBR stall selling merchandise at the Alappuzha Revenue Divisional Office and Punnamada Finishing Point is witnessing substantial business. Items like coffee mugs (Rs 120), hats (Rs 60), t-shirts (Rs 300, 350, 500), and snake boat miniatures (Rs 500) are available for purchase. The sale of race merchandise had generated around Rs 1.25 lakh for the organizers in the previous year.

360-Degree View of the Race": Adding to the excitement, District Collector Harita V Kumar inaugurated a digital wall that will showcase various scenes of the boat race across different locations in the district until Friday.