Republic Day celebrations to be grand affair after 2 years of subdued event

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: After a low-key celebration for the last two years due to Covid pandemic, the Bengaluru District Administration, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Police Department have made preparations to celebrate the 74th Republic Day in a grand manner this year at the Manekshaw Parade Grounds in the city.

Bengaluru City District Collector Dayanand, City Police Commissioner Pratap Reddy and BBMP Commissioner Tushar Girinath held a joint press conference on Tuesday to inform about the preparations for the Republic Day celebrations to be held at Manekshaw Parade Grounds on January 26. According to officials, the flag will be hoisted by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at 9 am on Thursday following which he will deliver the Republic Day address.

During the conference, Police Commissioner Pratap Reddy said, “More than 1,200 policemen, including 9 DCPs, 16 ACPs, 45 inspectors, 101 PSIs, 14 women PSIs, 83 ASIs, 577 head constables, 77 women staff and 172 police personnel have been deployed for security across the city. Ten KSRP squads and City Armed Reserve (CAR) squads have been deployed for additional security,” he informed.

He also added that CCTV cameras have been installed and inspected around the Parade Ground for security. Three fire tenders, two ambulances and a Rapid Action Force will be deployed at the venue. “If any suspicious person or object is found, the public can alert the Police Control Room,” he said.

Around 38 teams will participate in the movement: “A total of 1,520 people from 38 teams including Police Team, Kerala Women Police, Scouts, Guides, NCC, Seva Dal, Army, Air Force, CRPF will participate in the Republic Day parade,” the top police informed. Seating for 7K visitors BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath added that preparations have been made for the Republic Day celebration at the venue for around 7,000 people.

“Around 3,000 entry passes have already been issued for the public to participate in the programme and entry has been provided at Gate No 4. Schoolchildren and parents will be given first priority,” he informed.