Leh: The Union territory of Ladakh is all geared up to celebrate 75 years of Independence in a big way on 15th August 2022. Advisor Ladakh, Umang Narula chaired a meeting to review the preparation in the Union Territory.
The main events on Independence Day will be held at the Polo ground, Leh, and the Khree Sultan Cho Stadium, Kargil. The Independence Day parade will include a flypast by the Indian Air force over Polo Ground, Leh to commemorate 75 years of Independence and march past by contingents of Ladakh Police, CRPF, ITBP, Ex-Servicemen, National Cadet Corps, and school students from Leh and Kargil districts. In a display of the Ladakh police force’s canine power, the police force’s dog squad and their handlers will also participate in the parade. This will be followed by vibrant cultural music and dance programme, honouring the nation’s freedom struggle and celebrating its 75 years of Independence by various groups such as the Ladakh Musical Society, Ladakh Cultural Academy, and school students among others.
During the meeting, Advisor Narula exhorted that no stone should be left unturned in grandly celebrating the 75 years of Independence in the Union territory. He directed that the Raj Niwas, all government buildings in Ladakh and Ladakh Bhawans across the country be illuminated during the 3-day long celebrations starting from August 13 to August 15, 2022. He said that iconic buildings including the Leh Palace should be lit up to mark the festivities and streets be decorated with flags and lights.
Advisor Narula directed for adequate arrangements for parking, seating, drinking water, and deployment of health personnel besides refreshments for participants especially school children during the event.
The year 2022-2023 has been declared as the year of Persons with Disability by the Ladakh Administration. Keeping with this theme and to ensure the participation of Persons with Disability in public events, Advisor Narula suggested inviting their representatives to be a part of the grand celebration.
Advisor Narula also asked the departments to ensure public participation in the national campaign ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ by hoisting the tricolour atop houses from August 13 to 15, 2022 and suggested that the general public be encouraged to attend the Independence Day function carrying the national flag.
Secretary Tourism and Culture, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan apprised the meeting that the tricolour will be hoisted in all the border areas including the entry and exit points of the Indus River in India and the Amrit Sarovar locations besides it being hoisted at important historical sites and mountain peaks such as Umling La pass which at 19,300 feet is now the highest motorable road in the world, other peaks include Khardung La, Chang La etc.
The main event shall be open to the general public after two years of covid when the event could be attended only by invitation keeping with the covid protocols, although wearing face masks to the event will be mandatory.
The meeting was attended by all Administrative Secretaries; Deputy Commissioner, Leh/ Kargil; SSP Leh/Kargil; Officers of the Indian Air Force, ITBP, HQ 14 Corps; Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B), Heads of Departments and other concerned officials from both Leh and Kargil.
