Jammu, January 18: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting with senior civil administration and police officials to finalise the preparations for the Republic Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting reviewed the arrangements for both Jammu and Srinagar, ensuring smooth execution of the event.
The Chief Secretary emphasised the importance of maximizing public participation in the celebrations and directed the concerned divisional administrations to facilitate transportation and other necessary arrangements to ensure ease of access for the attendees. He also instructed all departments to ensure the illumination of landmark sites, government buildings, and public infrastructure in line with previous practices.
A key focus of the meeting was on the logistics for school children, including transport, seating arrangements, and refreshments. The Chief Secretary also stressed the importance of providing assistance to students as they prepare for the event.
Security was a major topic of discussion, with Dulloo reviewing the safety measures in place to ensure the protection of participants and smooth execution of the event. He directed traffic authorities to ensure the seamless movement of vehicles and manage parking arrangements at both venues.
On the cultural front, Dulloo encouraged inclusivity in the program, urging participation from specially-abled children as well as other groups. He also asked the Divisional Commissioner to personally assess the quality of tableaux to be showcased by various departments, including Culture, PDD (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana), Police (Drug Abuse Awareness), YS&S (Fit India Movement), and Cooperatives.
In line with cleanliness and hygiene, the Chief Secretary directed municipal bodies to conduct special sanitation drives, particularly in and around the parade venues, to ensure that cities are ready for the national event.
Dulloo also instructed the Director Information to ensure live telecasts of the main functions through Doordarshan and All India Radio, while facilitating the media in carrying out their professional duties.
Other key agenda items discussed included ensuring uninterrupted power and water supply, along with completing civil works undertaken by the R&B Department to beautify the venues in both Jammu and Srinagar.
The Chief Secretary’s meeting underscored the collaborative efforts needed to ensure that the Republic Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir are seamless, inclusive, and memorable for all.