Bengaluru top cop tells officials to make preparations for Independence Day

Bengaluru: City Police Commissioner Alok Kumar directed police officials to make necessary security arrangements for the 73rd Independence Day celebrations at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds.

Presiding over a preliminary meeting to discuss the preparations at his office on Friday, he instructed traffic police officials to take steps for smooth flow of traffic as Metro extension works are being carried out in the area and to identify parking lots for the public.

Apart from taking disaster control measures and making seat arrangements for the visitors, he asked officials to ensure proper security for the contingents participating in the parade march.

Contingents including various police wings, Border Security Force, Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Cadet Corps, Home Guards and Seva Dal will participate in the march past and receive the guard of honour from chief guest. This will be followed by cultural programmes.

Thousands of schoolchildren will also take part in the celebrations. Education department officials must come up with cultural programmes on different themes for this year, Mr Alok Kumar said.

He said that march past rehearsals will be held on August 9, 10 and 13. Officials must also ensure electricity, toilets, bus facility, ambulance and fire fighting arrangements.

Additional Police Commissioner Murugan, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Crime, B.R. Ravikanthegowda, Joint Police Commissioner Sureshbabu and officials from BWSSB, BBMP, Bescom, Fire and Emergency Department were present at the meeting.