Stage set for Independence Day celebrations in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Aug 14:

With barely hours to go for the big event, Odisha is all set to host the 69th Independence Day celebration.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik would hoist the tricolor and take the ceremonial salute at the state level ceremony here at 9 AM in the morning tomorrow.

All preparations and security arrangements are in final stages. Full dress rehearsal was conducted at the Mahatma Gandhi road of Bhubaneswar today where state level celebration would be conducted.

State police officials, police brass bands, fire department officials, along with their sky lift vehicles, school children, college students, NCC cadets, NSS cadets, folk dancers, tableaux from some of the ministries, stunt performers in daredevil motorbike shows and many other troops that are set to take part in the parade tomorrow took part in the dress rehearsal today.

Daredevil motorbike show by Maharishi College students of the city and horse riding, however, are going to be at the centre of attraction this year.

“We have made special arrangements to address security threats. We don’t have any specific intelligence inputs of any threat this year; however, we are still maintaining a high level of alertness. A special police control room has been set up at the parade venue and 22 platoons of forces would be deployed to maintain law and order,” said Commissionerate Police Chief Rajendra Sharma.

Security has also been tightened at other places in the state for the occasion. Special precautions have been taken to address security threats in Maoist infested districts given the pledge by Maoists to observe the day as a ‘Black Day’. Vehicles are being checked and Special Forces have been deployed to keep a vigil on suspicious activities.

“We are asked all our officers and commandoes to stay alert and have strengthened checking at various places,” said Nuapada SP Pinak Mishra.

“The border has been sealed and we have strengthened patrolling. All the vehicles are being checked and combing operation has also been intensified,” said Satyajit Nayak, Gajapati SP.

“We are deploying around five platoons of forces for the independence day celebration at Parade venue of Nabarangpur. Three DSPs, five inspectors and 12 sub inspector rank officers would be deployed to maintain law and order,” said B Jugal Kumar, Nabarangpur SP.