Srinagar: Security has been stepped up across Kashmir division ahead of Independence Day (ID) with Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Anshul Garg on Tuesday inspecting preparations at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, the main venue for Independence Day celebrations.
During his visit, the Div Com reviewed arrangements, including seating, the Public Address System, overhead covering of stands and adherence to protocol during the singing of the National Song followed by the National Anthem.
Garg directed the officers to ensure complete preparedness of contingents from schools, colleges and the Sports Council and their enthusiastic participation in the ceremonial proceedings.
In view of the possibility of rainfall, he directed the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), to ensure an effective dewatering mechanism at the venue and keep the Fire & Emergency dewatering pump operational. The officials were directed to ensure proper floral decoration of the podium and operational readiness of all seven LED screens installed at the stadium.
Meanwhile, a heightened security grid has been put in place across Kashmir to ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations. Special contingents of Jammu and Kashmir Police have been deployed around Bakshi Stadium, the main venue for the I-Day function.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdi on Tuesday said that multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place across Kashmir to ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations.
IGP Birdi while talking to reporters here said, “Security has been strengthened at key venues across Srinagar city and districts of the Valley.”
The IGP said, “Multi-tier security arrangements are in place not only at the venues but also around the city and in all districts of the Valley.”
He said preparations for the main Independence Day function in Srinagar were underway, including full-dress rehearsals and other arrangements to ensure the event is conducted smoothly.
The IGP also appealed to people to participate in the celebrations in large numbers, saying the Independence Day function was ultimately an occasion for the people.
‘Over 20,000 expected at Mega Tiranga Yatra in Srinagar on Aug 12’
More than 20,000 people are expected to participate in the Mega Tiranga Yatra scheduled for August 12 in Srinagar, with cyclists, skaters and shikara operators also set to take part.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Tuesday chaired a meeting of senior officers to review and finalise arrangements for the event, including transportation, refreshments, security, frisking and entry arrangements.
Garg directed participating departments and attendees to reach the venue well before the start of the programme and ensure that Tricolour flags and caps are distributed in advance.
He also stressed adherence to the prescribed protocol for the National Flag and directed authorities to nominate separate anchors for the flag-off programme at the back lawns of the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and the main event at the Botanical Garden.
Later, Garg and Principal Secretary, Culture, jointly inspected the SKICC back lawns and the Botanical Garden, where the Tiranga Yatra will culminate and other programmes will be held.
The divisional commissioner directed departments to complete all arrangements by Tuesday evening.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation Faz Lul Haseeb, Deputy Inspector General of Police and senior officers from various departments, including Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Traffic, Transport, Health, Education, Youth Services and Sports and Irrigation and Flood Control, attended the meeting.
