The State Capital is gearing up for Independence Day that is likely to see rain and flood of schemes ceremoniously announced to mark the day. While the latter is the prerogative of the top State Government functionaries the district administration is making preparations on war footing for yet another scintillating display on August 15.
Rehearsal for the 68th Independence Day parade here has been continuing since August 8 and will culminate today as the platoons taking part in the parade appear to have gelled together as a unit moving in tandem on the rhythm to mesmerise the crowd and will give guard of honour to Chief Minister Hemant Soren at Morhabadi ground to celebrate the day of Independence.
The venue for Independence Day celebration appears as a jungle of bamboo and belies the arrangements conceived by the district administration for visitors of all stature and affiliations. To start with, the stage for Chief Guest has been constructed at an elevated position that will have only one entry and exit point. The stage will be covered with waterproof material and so will be the stands for distinguished guests.
Other facilities at the ground include a visitor’s gallery, stage for photographers, VIP gallery, press gallery, makeshift toilets and stands for people to witness unfurling of the tricolor at historic Morhabadi ground.
“Preparations are in advance stage. The main stage will be covered with waterproof tent. A medical camp and vehicle of fire brigade will also be at the venue for emergency situations,” said Ranchi DC Vinay Kumar Choubey.
Two ambulances will be stationed at Morhabadi ground and defunct public water taps will be gushing water on the day besides two water tanks to quench thirst of common man. Security men in plain clothes will guard the main stage. There will be two gates for VIPs to control entry into Morhabadi ground and eight drop gates on routes leading to the venue.
One platoon each of
paramilitary forces, different units under Jharkhand police and NCC will take part in the final parade as they honed their skills of performing as a unit on the penultimate day of the rehearsal date.
Jawans selected to represent their respective units assembled at the Parade ground early morning and began practice that lasted till 10am. Cadets of National Cadet Corps especially those who will be taking part for the first time were enthusiastic about the parade and stand shoulder to shoulder with the jawans of paramilitary and Jharkhand police.
Chief Secretary, DGP and IG will tomorrow inspect parade preparations of 16 platoons comprising jawans of paramilitary forces, state police, NCC cadets and Fire Brigade.
Meanwhile, second capital of Jharkhand, Dumka, is all set to welcome Governor of Jharkhand Syed Ahmed for Independence Day celebrations. The Governor will unfurl the national flag on Independence Day at 9am at Police line ground and will be given guard of honour by 14 platoons comprising jawans of different district police, jawans of Jharkhand Armed Police and Scouts and Guides. Keeping in view monsoon the main stage and gallery for school children will be covered with waterproof tent.
“Tomorrow is the full dress rehearsal of parade. We have made all preparations for uninterrupted celebration on Independence Day,” said DPRO Dumka, Prabhat Shankar.