City gears up for I-Day celebration

The Manekshaw Parade Grounds is abuzz with preparations for the 65th Independence Day celebrations.

On Saturday, BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah and other officials supervised arrangements while several others carried out rehearsals of their shows. 

The chief guest is scheduled to arrive at 8.57 am and hoist the flag by 9 am. Nearly 1,500 people will take part in the march-past and as usual, Air Force helicopter will drop flower petals. More than 1,700 children will participate and around 10,000 people will be accommodated – VVIPs - 2,000, VIPs - 2,000, retired officials - 3,000 and public - 3,000.

The event will feature breathtaking display of bike stunts by ‘Tornadoes’, the Army Service Corp world record-holders.

On the preparedness of the Palike, Siddaiah said: “We have standby Mass Casualty Management with over eight-bed hospital vehicle, a dozen ambulances and most importantly we have tied up with a nearby hospital and also set aside around 100 beds.” Mobile toilets and drinking water facilities are given priority.

Tight security

City Police Commissioner Jyothi Prakash Mirji said: “More than 1,500 police personnel have been deployed. Apart from the CCTVs, umpteen plainclothesmen will videograph the entire proceedings and keep a tab on the movement of the public.”

More than 10 DCPs, 10 ACPs, 40 police inspectors and 80 sub-inspectors, and more than 1,000 police constables will guard the venue.

Security will be stepped up at the sensitive areas to ensure peaceful celebrations, Mirji said.