Srinagar, Jul 18 (KNO): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of various departments for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations, emphasizing the need for advance planning, inter-departmental coordination, and timely mobilization of resources to ensure the smooth conduct of the national event.
The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, and Heads of Departments (HoDs) of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Roads & Buildings (R&B), Power Development Department (PDD), Education, Culture, Jal Shakti, Health, Information, Hospitality & Protocol, Traffic Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Doordarshan, SKICC, and other concerned departments.
The Divisional Commissioner conducted a comprehensive review of arrangements relating to security, logistics, protocol, medical and emergency services, venue management, full-dress rehearsal, event execution, and post-event coordination.
To ensure seamless arrangements, Garg directed the Chief Engineer, R&B, to make comprehensive arrangements for tentage, seating, stage and dais, besides installing LED screens at the venue. The Chief Engineer, PDD, was instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply with adequate generator backup and illumination of important government buildings.
The Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti, was directed to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water and installation of RO units at the venue. The Floriculture Department was tasked with decorating the dais and making floral arrangements at the Balidan Stambh, while the Police Department was instructed to facilitate the showering of flower petals through drones during the celebrations.
The Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, was directed to ensure proper sanitation, adequate toilet facilities, and effective dewatering arrangements in the event of rainfall.
The Police Department was instructed to put in place foolproof security arrangements to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Independence Day function.
The Information Department was directed to install a synchronized public address system in coordination with the R&B Department and Police to ensure uninterrupted proceedings besides installation of hoardings.
The Divisional Commissioner further directed the Departments of Culture, Youth Services & Sports, and the J&K Sports Council to prepare cultural programmes and performances. He also instructed the concerned departments to organize contingents comprising personnel from the Police, other security agencies, NCC, schools, and colleges. In addition, schools, colleges, and the Information Department were asked to organize quiz and singing competitions as part of the celebrations.
The Fire & Emergency Services Department was directed to deploy fire tenders and ensure emergency preparedness, while the Hospitality & Protocol Department was instructed to make appropriate arrangements for refreshments and other protocol-related requirements.
The Deputy Commissioners were directed to make similar comprehensive preparations in their respective districts to ensure that Independence Day is celebrated with patriotic fervour, enthusiasm, and dignity across Kashmir.
Speaking during the meeting, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi stressed strict adherence to the prescribed protocol for flag-hoisting ceremonies at all venues. He also called upon officers to deploy nodal officers and sensitize participants and dignitaries about the laid-down protocols to ensure the successful and orderly conduct of the celebrations—(KNO)