SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the 80th Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, directing all departments to ensure seamless coordination and timely completion of arrangements.
The meeting was attended by administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, ADGPs, IGPs, deputy commissioners, SSPs, the Director Information, Directors of School Education and Health Services for Jammu and Kashmir, senior police officers and representatives of various security agencies.
According to an official statement, the Chief Secretary reviewed preparations for the main Independence Day functions in Srinagar and Jammu, besides celebrations to be held at the district, sub-division, tehsil, block and panchayat levels across the Union Territory.
Emphasising the importance of the national occasion, Dulloo directed all departments to complete arrangements well in advance to ensure smooth participation of dignitaries, students and the general public.
Reviewing cultural programmes, he called for showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage and composite traditions through quality performances and stressed greater participation of school students and youth to promote patriotism and national pride.
The Chief Secretary directed the Police and Traffic authorities to ensure comprehensive security arrangements and effective traffic management around all venues.
In view of the prevailing weather conditions, he instructed the concerned departments to make adequate arrangements for drinking water, shaded seating, medical assistance and emergency response facilities, particularly for schoolchildren and other participants.
He also stressed the need to maintain high standards of sanitation, uninterrupted power supply, proper illumination and beautification of venues, and directed that all public utilities remain fully functional during the celebrations.
Dulloo asked the Information Department to install and thoroughly test the public address system and other audio-visual equipment before the full-dress rehearsal, while ensuring adequate backup arrangements to avoid any disruption.
He further directed heads of departments, divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to illuminate major government buildings, offices, bridges and other prominent public infrastructure to mark the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
The Chief Secretary also instructed district administrations to issue invitations well in advance to public representatives, freedom fighters, ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, eminent citizens and other invitees.
The meeting was informed that contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Armed Police, CRPF, BSF, IRP, Lady Police, Fire and Emergency Services, NCC, NSS and various educational institutions would participate in the ceremonial parade and cultural programmes at the main venues.
It also reviewed arrangements relating to sanitation, healthcare, drinking water, power supply, transport, seating, parking, emergency services and other logistical requirements. Officials informed the meeting that full-dress rehearsals would be conducted before August 15 to ensure smooth execution of the celebrations across the Union Territory.
