Breaking from tradition, the State government decided to shift the venue for the occasion from Parade Ground in Secunderabad to Golconda, to showcase the legacy of Telangana. In the process, the government could not have asked for a better choice than arranging the flag post close to the iconic Taramati mosque with the rocky fort in the background.
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will unfurl the tricolour on a 62 ft tall pole from a makeshift rostrum at 9.30 a.m. The steel structure was being readied by authorities with the help of a crane on Thursday. The lawn where the flag hoisting will take place was barred for invitees but a contingent of special police will be stationed to present the salute to the accompaniment of national anthem. Later, Mr. Rao will read out his speech that will include the flagship programmes of the government.
The celebration will coincide with the launch of the land distribution scheme for poor Scheduled Castes families which Mr. Rao initially proposed at a village in Karimnagar but dropped it later. Instead, beneficiaries from various districts were summoned to collect the documents at the hands of Mr. Rao in the function. The speech by Mr. Rao will list out the achievements of the government with emphasis on the election promises that it kept, including crop loan waiver, fee reimbursement to students and input subsidy. The Ministers will also read out the achievements when they hoist the national flag in their respective districts, sources said.
As it was a compact area amidst ruins of the fort, the government has limited the celebration to presentation of guard of honour to Mr. Rao at the entrance, flag hoisting and the customary speech. The traditional parade and demonstration by tableaux were omitted.
However, drummers will be positioned on surrounding barbicans.
A feature of the arrangements is that there is minimal digging because it’s a protected monument. The seating, lighting and LED viewing are being taken up by various departments without causing any damage.
The invitees by passes will be limited to 4,000 but children from two schools will also be allowed. About 800 policemen will provide security.
All the approach roads to fort were blacktopped and signages set up on way.
