The district administration has begun intensive preparations for the 79th Independence Day celebrations, with Deputy Commissioner Preeti directing all departments to ensure seamless arrangements for the official function to be held at Tejli Sports Complex on August 15.

Chairing a review meeting with senior officials on Thursday, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised that Independence Day is a festival of national pride and called for coordinated efforts to organise the ceremony in a dignified, well-managed and memorable manner.

She instructed officials to complete all arrangements within the stipulated timeline, including sanitation, drinking water, electricity, seating, security, traffic management, parking facilities and medical assistance. Departments were also directed to make advance preparations for the flag-hoisting ceremony, parade, cultural performances and reception of guests.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Naveen Ahuja has been appointed the overall in-charge of the Independence Day celebrations.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of close coordination among departments to ensure that no aspect of the programme is overlooked. She also directed officers to conduct regular inspections of the venue and review preparations periodically.

Preeti said special attention should be paid to the convenience of participants, students, invited guests and the general public. She urged officials to perform their assigned responsibilities with dedication and ensure that all arrangements are completed well before the event.

Encouraging greater public participation, she said more citizens should be invited to attend the celebrations, noting that a larger audience boosts the morale of schoolchildren participating in cultural programmes and the ceremonial parade.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Naveen Ahuja, SDMs of Jagadhri, Radaur, Bilaspur and Chhachhrauli, senior administrative officers and heads of various departments.