Patna: Divisional commissioner Mayank Warwade on Wednesday reviewed preparations for the Independence Day celebrations to be held at Gandhi Maidan on Aug 15. Chairing a high-level meeting, he termed the event a “fixed-time, fixed-venue” programme and stressed the need for seamless coordination among all departments to ensure its smooth conduct.Warwade said security arrangements, management of spectator galleries and adherence to protocol for dignitaries and VVIPs would be the administration’s top priorities. Given the significance of the event from both security and protocol perspectives, he directed officials to complete all preparations within the stipulated timeline and ensure no lapses.The commissioner instructed departments to take possible adverse weather conditions, including rain and storms, into account while making arrangements. He also emphasised the importance of regular rehearsals and briefings to keep personnel prepared for any contingencies.Joint parade rehearsals will be held from Aug 1 to 13. The Patna SSP will coordinate with military, paramilitary and police units to facilitate the participation of all contingents. Arrangements for drinking water, medical support and other essential facilities will be made during the rehearsal period.Several departments have been assigned specific responsibilities. The building construction department will oversee barricading, repair of entry gates, levelling of Gandhi Maidan and strengthening of parade routes. The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) will carry out sanitation and drainage works, while the public health engineering department will provide water tankers and install water ATMs at the venue.Temporary medical centres, ambulances, firefighting units and silent generators for backup power will also be deployed. The administration will showcase departmental tableaux during the celebrations, with the deputy development commissioner coordinating the preparations.For law and order management, the DM and the SSP will jointly issue deployment orders covering security personnel and magistrates. A comprehensive traffic management plan, taking into account the ongoing Patna Metro construction, will also be prepared.Warwade said continuous inter-departmental coordination and regular monitoring would be crucial for the smooth and error-free conduct of the Independence Day celebrations.
