SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to finalize preparations for the 80th Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting, attended by senior officials from civil administration, police, security agencies, and departmental heads, focused on ensuring well-organized and secure festivities at Srinagar, Jammu, and district levels.
Dulloo emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and seamless coordination among departments to guarantee successful celebrations. He directed all arrangements to be completed in advance, facilitating smooth participation by dignitaries, students, and the public. The Chief Secretary highlighted the significance of showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage and traditions through high-quality cultural programs, encouraging greater involvement of school children and youth to instill patriotism.
Security was a primary focus; the police and traffic authorities were instructed to implement comprehensive security measures and manage traffic effectively around all venues to ensure hassle-free participation for visitors and participants. Considering the weather conditions, Dulloo directed departments to arrange adequate drinking water, shaded seating, medical aid, and emergency facilities, especially for school children and participants.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining high standards of sanitation, uninterrupted power supply, proper illumination, and venue beautification. Departments were asked to ensure that all public utilities function smoothly during the celebrations. The Information Department was instructed to install and thoroughly test audio-visual equipment, including the Public Address System (PAS), before rehearsals, with backup plans in place for any eventualities.
Additionally, Dulloo directed officials to illuminate major government buildings, offices, bridges, and iconic infrastructure to commemorate the occasion. Invitations should be issued in advance to public representatives, freedom fighters, ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, and prominent citizens to ensure their participation.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for the ceremonial parade and cultural programs involving contingents from police, paramilitary forces, NCC, NSS, educational institutions, and emergency services. Logistical arrangements, including sanitation, healthcare, water, power, transport, seating, parking, and emergency services, were discussed, with assurances from officers that preparations would be completed timely and monitored regularly.
It was also announced that full-dress rehearsals would be conducted before August 15 to ensure the smooth execution of all events, aiming for a flawless celebration across the Union Territory.