Patna DM Oversees Republic Day Preparations at Gandhi Maidan
District Magistrate Thiyagrajan S M conducted a thorough inspection of the Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Monday. He examined all arrangements for the upcoming 77th Republic Day celebrations. Senior officials accompanied him during this review. They included the additional development commissioner, the City SP (Central), and the sub-divisional officer of Patna Sadar.
Organizational Structure and Security Measures
The DM explained the organizational plan for the event. Gandhi Maidan has been divided into four main sectors. Each sector has sub-sectors where necessary. Additional district magistrates and additional SPs are supervising work in every sector.
A dedicated sub-committee operates around the clock. The additional development commissioner chairs this multi-member group. It includes engineers from building construction and public health engineering departments. The municipal body's executive officer and a nominated member from the Sri Krishna Smarak Vikas Samiti are also part of it. This committee monitors preparations continuously. It takes immediate corrective action on any issues that arise.
Security will be a top priority on January 26. A temporary police station and control room will function at the maidan. Eighteen watchtowers will aid surveillance. Eight of these are permanent structures. Ten are temporary installations. Patna Smart City Limited has installed 128 CCTV cameras for comprehensive monitoring.
- 61 cameras are fixed units.
- 22 are PTZ (pan tilt zoom) cameras.
- 45 are analytic cameras.
Forty-nine cameras cover the perimeter. Seventy-nine cameras monitor the ground's interior. The Integrated Command and Control Centre will watch all activities from these feeds.
Lighting and Maintenance Work
Lighting arrangements will be particularly special this year. Thirty-four light towers are equipped with 136 LED metal lights. The setup also includes 229 pole lights and 15 high-mast lights. These ensure proper illumination across the ground and its surroundings.
Patna Municipal Corporation has installed additional decorative lighting. This includes 56 decorative lights and 98 pole lights inside the ground. Twenty-eight park lights are placed near the Gandhi statue. Another 131 pole lights illuminate the perimeter. Decorative pathway lights add to the festive atmosphere.
Ground maintenance work is progressing steadily. Teams are cutting grass, filling pits, and trimming trees. They are repairing pathways and covering chamber slabs. The civic body has deployed 48 workers for regular cleaning duties. Zonal teams maintain hygiene across the entire venue.
Other essential work continues simultaneously. This includes general cleaning and beautification efforts. Authorities are setting up drinking water facilities and water ATMs for attendees.
Health Services and Final Preparations
Multiple first-aid centres will operate during the celebrations. Doctors and trained health workers will staff these centres. The Red Cross Society provides support for these medical facilities. Additional ambulances will be stationed at major gates. Two fire tenders will also be placed at the venue for emergency response.
Parking zones have been clearly marked for public convenience. A dedicated traffic control room has been established to manage vehicle movement. The event will feature 12 departmental tableaux. Each tableau has a maximum height of 15 feet.
The final rehearsal for the Republic Day parade is scheduled for 9 AM on January 24. This will ensure all arrangements function smoothly before the main event.
