R-Day fete to observe Covid safety norms

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Like last year, there will be no cultural programmes at the Republic celebrations to be held at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground on Wednesday. It will be the first time Governor Thawarchand Gehlot will preside over the Republic Day parade in the city.

There will be no entry for the public to witness the event which will begin at 9am.The authorities have made seating arrangements for around 200 guests as per Covid norms to maintain social distance. “The governor will arrive at 8.58 am and hoist the national flag,” said BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta.

Bangalore City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant has said 1,400 policemen would be at Manekshaw Parade Ground. “A special police platoon from Andhra Pradesh is participating at the parade,’’ he added.

Entry is limited to 200 invitees with pass, which includes freedom fighters, and senior officers of various departments. They must occupy their seats by 8.40 am.

Those with white and pink passes have to park their vehicles on Cubbon Road between Manipal Centre and Kamaraj Road Junction, Main Guard Cross Road, near Safina Plaza and Kamaraj Road on both sides. Invitees with white passes must use gate No.2 on Cubbon Road and those with pink passes enter the ground through gate No. 3.

Those with white passes and secretaries to the government, military officers, senior police officers must use gate No.2 on Cubbon Road and park their vehicles on the northern side and western side of the ground