Srinagar, January 19: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Monday directed officers to ensure meticulous and befitting arrangements for the celebration of the forthcoming Republic Day while finalising preparations at a meeting held at TRC, Srinagar.
Highlighting the importance of Republic Day as a national festival, the Divisional Commissioner emphasised maximum participation and instructed officers to sensitise all participants about adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and proper protocol during the unfurling of the National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem.
In view of the forecast of inclement weather, officers of the UEED and Srinagar Municipal Corporation were directed to keep dewatering pumps ready at the venue to prevent waterlogging. The Chief Engineer, R&B, was instructed to install a waterproof canopy over the stands. The R&B department was also tasked with installing video walls for live streaming of the event, arranging adequate seating, and ensuring proper heating arrangements.
To ensure smooth conduct of the programme, directions were issued that all participants must be seated by 9:30 am. A specific area will be earmarked for victims of terrorism at the venue. The SSP Security was instructed to facilitate hassle-free entry by augmenting the number of scanning machines.
The Chief Engineer, KPDCL, was directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply with adequate backup arrangements. The Health Department was instructed to establish medical kiosks with medical teams and essential medicines, deploy critical ambulances near the venue, and maintain coordination with nearby hospitals.
The Information Department was directed to complete the selection process for the National Anthem singing competition, nominate a commentator, install public address systems, issue media passes, and facilitate media coverage of the event.
SSP Traffic was directed to prepare detailed traffic arrangements to ensure smooth movement of VIPs and the general public. It was informed that parking for VIPs has been designated at the Indoor Stadium, while parking for other officers has been earmarked at Amar Singh College.
To facilitate transportation, SRTC and SSCL were directed to provide an adequate number of buses for ferrying participants and officers from their respective locations.
Other departments were also issued necessary directions in accordance with their assigned responsibilities to ensure the successful conduct of the Republic Day celebrations.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Additional Commissioner Kashmir, SSP Traffic, SSP Security, SSP Control Room, and heads of departments and officers from various civil departments.
