Srinagar, Aug 08 (KNO): Principal Secretary Culture Department, Brij Mohan Sharma and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today jointly chaired a comprehensive meeting at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) to review and finalize arrangements for the mega Tiranga Rally scheduled to be held from SKICC to the Botanical Garden on August 12 and the Independence Day celebration at Bakshi Stadium.
During the meeting, the Principal Secretary directed the concerned departments to put in place innovative and theme-based arrangements to enhance public participation and patriotic fervour during the Tiranga Rally.
Brij Mohan Sharma called for installation of theme-based selfie points at SKICC and the Botanical Garden to encourage participants to capture and upload photographs. He also directed deployment of NCC volunteers to facilitate participants at these selfie points.
The Principal Secretary directed the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department to undertake theme-based colouring of tree trunks along the rally route, while the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was asked to install the National Flag on electric poles along the route.
He further directed to sensitize participants about adherence to the National Flag Code and called for organizing a Shikara Tiranga Rally in Dal Lake as part of the celebrations.
Principal Secretary also reviewed plan for setting up theme-based stalls and exhibition at SKICC. He directed the concerned departments to ensure attractive displays and effective public engagement.
Brij Mohan Sharma also reviewed arrangements for cultural programmes, band performances and the felicitation of VVIPs, war widows and war heroes.
On the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg directed all concerned departments and stakeholders to ensure overwhelming participation in the Tiranga Rally. He called upon officers to ensure that participants reach SKICC well in advance to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event.
He reviewed the transport plan for participants and directed the concerned agencies to ensure effective mobilization as per the prescribed targets. He also stressed the need for foolproof security arrangements at all venues and along the designated rally route.
Anshul Garg also directed for constitution of a committee comprising officers of SMC, Police and Sanik Welfare Department to monitor the strict compliance for respect of flag code during the event.
Besides, Div Com directed for enmass participation in Har Ghar Tiranga and celebration of National Song.
The Divisional Commissioner further reviewed arrangements for drinking water and uninterrupted power supply at the venue and issued necessary directions to the concerned departments. He also directed the establishment of First Aid Camps and deployment of ambulances at strategic locations to meet any medical emergency.
Anshul Garg also reviewed preparations for the Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium and directed officers to ensure seamless, coordinated and foolproof arrangements for a vibrant celebration of the national event.
He issued detailed directions regarding the showering of flower petals by the Air Force, illumination of government buildings, constitution of parade and band contingents, issuance of security passes, appointment of nodal officers, organization of cultural programmes and nomination of commentators.
He also reviewed seating arrangements, security arrangements and other logistical requirements at the main venue.
Emphasizing the importance of basic amenities, the Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, installation of adequate water dispensers, cleanliness and sanitation at the venue, proper traffic management and deployment of medical personnel and ambulances.
Anshul Garg stressed the need to sensitize participants regarding the protocol to be observed during the hoisting of the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem.
The Divisional Commissioner also directed that participants be briefed about the sequence of programmes in advance and called for preparation of a uniform schedule for the Independence Day celebrations across the division to ensure coordinated observance of the national event.
The meeting was attended by the DIG Police, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Heads of Departments and senior officers from Floriculture, Health, School Education, Colleges, SMC, R&B, PHE, I&FC, I&C, H&H, KPDCL, Information, Fire & Emergency Services, SSCL, RTC, Doordarshan, Government Press, Youth Services & Sports, University of Kashmir, NIT Srinagar, Traffic Police, security agencies, BSF, CRPF and other concerned departments—(KNO)