Independence Day: Low-key celebrations in Bengaluru tomorrow

BENGALURU: Amid rising fears over an impending third wave of Covid-19, BBMP and Bengaluru Urban District administration have decided to scale down official celebrations of the 75th Independence Day as per pandemic guidelines issued by the Union health ministry.
The audience at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground will be restricted to 500 invitees, including 100 Corona warriors, 25 Covid survivors, defence officials, among others. The ceremony will have no cultural programme or aerial flower shower, said BBMP chief commissioner Gaurav Gupta.
A full-dress rehearsal was held on Friday at the venue where I-Day eent will be held.
Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai will hoist the flag at 9am on Sunday. “He will address the people of Karnataka followed by the national anthem, guard of honour, Nada Geethe and Raita Geethe. The programme will get over in around 45 minutes,” said J Manjunath, DC, Bengaluru Urban District.
“Twenty platoons from Karnataka State Reserve Police, Karnataka Industrial Security Force, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, civil police, traffic cops, women police and mounted police will be part of the parade along with four bands,” he added.
“The stretch between BRV Junction and Kamaraj Road Junction on Cubbon Road will be blocked from 8.30am to 10.30am on Sunday. The celebrations will be held amid tight security,” said police commissioner Kamal Pant.