In view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Friday convened a comprehensive meeting of divisional-level officers to finalize a detailed plan ensuring a smooth, peaceful, and vibrant observance of the national festival.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner SMC, DIG Central Kashmir, and senior officers from various departments including Information, Education, Health, JalShakti, R&B, MED, PDD, Youth Services & Sports, Tourism, Hospitality & Protocol, Floriculture, Colleges, Culture, Traffic Police, and other security agencies.

Chairing the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Joint Director, Information Kashmir to ensure timely playing of Shehnai Vadan, nomination of a commentator, installation of a public addressing system, and organization of quiz and essay writing competitions as part of Republic Day activities.

He instructed the DIG Armed Police to designate an officer responsible for unfurling the National Flag on the day of the event. The Director Floriculture was directed to make creative floral arrangements for the decoration of the dais.

SSP Security was asked to ensure comprehensive security arrangements at the venue, including the safety of VIPs and deployment of anti-sabotage teams. Police and other security agencies were further directed to facilitate the orderly and disciplined entry of participants.

To ensure the comfort of participants, the R&B Department was instructed to arrange proper seating, waterproof tentage and installation of display screens at the venue besides  illumination of key infrastructure across the city.

The Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) was directed to ensure road clearance in case of snowfall, while the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was asked to keep dewatering pumps ready at the venue.

The Div Com emphasized that practice sessions for contingents and cultural troupes should commence from January. 

The Hospitality & Protocol Department was directed to arrange refreshments for participants, while the District Administration was tasked with the distribution of invitation cards for the main function and the At-Home programme.

Also, SMC was instructed to ensure cleanliness and sanitation of the venue. Fire & Emergency Services Department was directed to deploy fire tenders, the Health Department to set up medical kiosks, and the Traffic Police to identify parking spaces and issue a traffic diversion plan to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

Similarly, RTC and SSCL were asked to provide buses to various departments, including the Education Department, for ferrying participants to and from the venue.

Garg reiterated the need for close inter-departmental coordination to ensure the successful conduct of Republic Day celebrations.