SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud Din Bhat, has directed all government offices to hoist the national flag on Republic Day-2025. The instructions were issued during a preparatory meeting chaired by the DC at the DC Office Complex in Srinagar on Wednesday.
Dr Bhat stressed the need for comprehensive arrangements, including seating, march-past parades, cultural programmes, transport and parking, and provision of power and drinking water. Deployment of sanitation staff, first aid teams, fire and emergency services, public address systems, and the illumination of government buildings were also discussed.
The Traffic Department was instructed to develop a parking plan to accommodate dignitaries and participants’ vehicles without disruption.
Additionally, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was tasked with maintaining cleanliness around the venue, ensuring functional washrooms and mobile toilet facilities, and addressing the dog menace in the area.
The Education Department and Cultural Academy were instructed to manage the boarding and lodging of participating schoolchildren and artists, while the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) will handle transport arrangements. Safety measures for participants during their stay were emphasised.
The DC also called for preparedness to handle waterlogging due to rain or snow during the full-dress rehearsal and main event on 26 January.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Imtiyaz Ahmad, and senior officers from various departments. They reviewed arrangements for the smooth and peaceful conduct of Republic Day celebrations.
SSP Srinagar briefed the attendees on the security measures planned to ensure peaceful celebrations. Other matters, including media management and entry protocols for VVIPs, VIPs, and participants, were also reviewed.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Ghulam Hassan Sheikh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Syed Ahmad Kataria, Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, SDMs East and West, Chief Medical Officer, and senior officers from departments like PDD, PHE, R&B, and the Cultural Academy.
