KAKKANAD: With Independence Day round the corner, the district administration has almost completed the preparations for hosting the first I-Day parade at the civil station.
The Public Works Department (PWD), which is carrying out the preparatory work for the conduct of the parade, has completed building galleries on the northern side of the parade ground. The special galleries for the VIP and the VVIP visitors have also been built.
As the preparatory work commenced much before the strike called by contractors the work has not been affected. “The work started before the contractors’ strike. The stage for flag hoisting and the galleries have been built. Cleaning and preparation of the ground have also been completed. The only pending work is the decoration of the venue. The incessant rains have damaged the parade ground slightly, and we are taking steps to resolve the problem,” said Peter, PWD executive engineer who is in charge of the preparatory work.
The district administration is also planning to hold a rally on August 14, with the participation of the public. Officials of various departments and members of residents associations will take part in the rally. The rally will start at the NGO Quarters, and conclude in front of the civil station. A tableau, depicting the ‘freedom struggle’, will be presented during the rally.
“Matters related to the preparatory work and the safety aspects have been discussed with the police, and the other officials concerned. This is the first time we are hosting an Independence Day parade, and we are striving hard to make it a success,” said District Collector M G Rajamanickam.
The Police Department will deploy four corps from the AR Camps to ensure security.