PATNA: Preparations for Bihar’s main state-level Independence Day ceremony at Gandhi Maidan in Patna have been completed, with authorities putting extensive security, surveillance and public convenience arrangements in place ahead of the August 15 celebrations.
Divisional Commissioner Mayank Warwade said on Thursday that final inspections and rehearsals had been conducted to ensure that all programmes are held smoothly, on schedule and with due dignity.
The joint briefing for magistrates and police officials was held at Gandhi Maidan, where officials reviewed arrangements for security, crowd management and the smooth conduct of the ceremony.
Three-tier security arrangement at Gandhi Maidan
Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K. Sharma said Gandhi Maidan has been divided into sectors and sub-sectors for effective law-and-order management. An Additional District Magistrate and a Deputy Superintendent of Police have been assigned as senior officers-in-charge for each sector.
Magistrates and police officials have been deployed at 62 locations across Gandhi Maidan and Kargil Smriti Chowk. Additional police personnel will also be deployed across the venue.
All officials assigned to duty have been directed to report at their designated locations by 6 am on August 15 and remain there until all spectators have safely exited the venue.
CCTV, drones to monitor Gandhi Maidan
Security arrangements have also been strengthened through extensive surveillance. CCTV cameras installed under the Smart City project will monitor Gandhi Maidan and its surrounding areas.
Drone surveillance will provide aerial monitoring of the venue, while the Integrated Command and Control Centre at the police office complex will continuously monitor activities during the event.
The District Control Room will function in three shifts, with magistrates and police officials deployed to oversee operations.
80,000 sq ft spectator sheds installed
With the monsoon season in mind, the district administration has made special arrangements for spectators. Sheds covering approximately 80,000 square feet have been installed over the spectator galleries to provide protection from rain and changing weather conditions.
Lighting arrangements have also been strengthened through light towers, LED metal lights and high-mast lights installed across Gandhi Maidan.
District Magistrate Kundan Kumar said the convenience and safety of every spectator, along with arrangements for VIP and VVIP guests, remain key priorities.
13 tableaux and 20 parade contingents
This year’s ceremony will feature tableaux presented by 13 government departments, highlighting various government initiatives and programmes.
As many as 20 parade contingents will also participate in the Independence Day ceremony. Final rehearsals for the parade and other programmes have already been conducted, with officials reviewing arrangements during the rehearsal.
Separate entry gates for different categories
The administration has designated separate gates for different categories of visitors to ensure orderly entry into the venue.
- Gate 10: Distinguished and VVIP guests
- Gate 9: Press and media representatives with yellow cards
- Gates 12 and 13: Women
- Gates 2, 3 and 4: Students
- Gates 6 and 7: General public
Officials have been directed to maintain close coordination throughout the event and ensure that the ceremony is conducted with discipline, security and grandeur, while providing adequate facilities to citizens attending the celebrations.
