PREPARATIONS for the Independence Day celebrations in Raipur have reached the final stage, with a full-dress rehearsal held at the Police Parade Ground on Thursday. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will hoist the national flag and take the salute of the parade at the main Independence Day ceremony at 9 am on August 15. During Thursday’s rehearsal, Chief Minister’s Security Officer Harish Tiwari attended as the Chief guest, hoisted the national flag and took the salute during the march-past. Police Commissioner Sanjeev Shukla and Collector Gaurav Singh reviewed arrangements for the ceremony in the presence of Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam and Additional Director General of Police Vivekanand Sinha. A total of 17 platoons will participate in the Independence Day parade.

 

The contingents will include personnel from the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and Bihar Police, along with contingents of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force, Chhattisgarh Police, Jail Police and Home Guards. NCC contingents comprising boys and girls will also participate, along with a mounted squad, dog squad and band platoon. A women’s bagpiper band led by constable Sonbati Thakur will also present a marching performance. During the ceremony, Chief Minister Sai will confer medals and awards on police officers and personnel. Cultural programmes by school students will also be a major attraction. Around 843 students from schools in the Surguja, Durg and Raipur divisions will participate in cultural performances representing different regions of Chhattisgarh. Officials said all arrangements were being finalised to ensure a dignified and well-organised Independence Day celebration at the Police Parade Ground.