The stage is set for the 69th Independence Day celebrations at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here. The celebrations will begin with the hoisting of the national flag by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while an IAF helicopter will shower flower petals.
Elaborate security arrangements are in place, apart from various disaster control mechanisms, according to G. Kumar Naik, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner and chairperson of the I-Day Celebrations Committee.
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Over the past 10 days, parade ground was spruced up for the celebrations. A flag post, a dais for dignitaries and seating arrangements for 11,000 people are ready. As many as 4,000 seats are reserved for the general public.
Rehearsals were held at the ground for the past three days. Fifty-two contingents, including police, Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Cadet Corps, Home Guards and Seva Dal, will present the guard of honour to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This will be followed by cultural programmes in which over 2,500 schoolchildren will participate.
The BBMP, the Deputy Commissioner (Bengaluru Urban) and the city police have jointly made all the arrangments.
Security heightened To ensure that the celebrations are held without any hitch, the city police have put in place elaborate security arrangements. City Police Commissioner N.S. Megharik said that over 1,500 police personnel and home guards have been deployed for I-Day celebrations. As many as 25 door-frame metal detectors and over 100 hand-held metal detectors will be used to screen all visitors. That apart, 45 CCTV cameras have been installed in the venue. Security has been heightened at all vital installations, including Namma Metro railway stations and malls. Sky sentries will also be posted on the high-rises around the parade ground, Mr. Megharik added.
Disaster management Mr. Naik added that on-site and off-site disaster management cells have been set up to tackle any eventuality. Ambulances and medical personnel, and Fire and Emergency Services personnel will also be deployed at the venue. Those attending the celebrations are prohibited from carrying cigarettes, match boxes,sharp objects, pamphlets, black colour kerchiefs, coloured chemical liquids, eatables, video and still cameras, liquor and drugs, water bottles, flags and firecrackers.
Gate | Entry | No. of seats |
2 | VVIPs and defence personnel | 2,000 |
1 | Dignitaries and government officials | 2,000 |
3 | Freedom fighters, retired defence personnel, BSF personnel | 3,000 |
4 | General public | 4,000 |
