By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: As in previous years, Republic Day will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and splendour across Madhya Pradesh this year as well. The state-level main समारोह will be held on January 26 at the historic Lal Parade Ground in Jahangirabad, Bhopal, while the traditional “Beating the Retreat” ceremony is scheduled for January 29.
In connection with preparations for both events, Additional Director General of Police (SAF) Chanchal Shekhar chaired a review meeting of concerned officials on Monday at the conference hall on the ground floor of the new Police Headquarters. He instructed officers to finalise all arrangements while upholding the dignity and grandeur of Republic Day.
During the meeting, responsibilities were assigned to various officials for deployment of forces from different units for the parade, cleanliness of the parade ground, security measures, traffic management, seating arrangements for spectators and invited guests, as well as arrangements for tableaux and medical facilities. Instructions were also issued regarding the selection of tunes to be played during the Beating the Retreat ceremony, along with firework displays and electrical arrangements, with clear accountability fixed.
It was decided that rehearsals for the Republic Day parade would commence from January 4, while the full-dress final rehearsal would be held on January 24.
Senior police officers and representatives from departments including Public Works, Health, Education, Municipal Corporation and Women and Child Development were present at the meeting. The Beating the Retreat ceremony, a centuries-old military tradition, will formally mark the conclusion of Republic Day celebrations in the state at Motilal Nehru Stadium on January 29.
