Multi-layered security, CCTV surveillance for Republic Day celebration at Gandhi Maidan

Patna: District magistrate Thiyagrajan S M on Monday inspected preparations for the 77th Republic Day celebrations that will be held at the Gandhi Maidan here. He was accompanied by senior officials, including additional development commissioner (ADC), City SP (Central), and sub-divisional officer (Patna Sadar).The DM said Gandhi Maidan has been divided into four sectors for the Republic Day celebrations, with sub-sectors wherever necessary. Work in each sector is being supervised by additional district magistrates and additional SPs.“A multi-member sub-committee, chaired by the ADC, is operational round the clock to regularly monitor arrangements. This committee includes engineers from the building construction and public health engineering departments, the executive officer of the municipal body, and a nominated member from the Sri Krishna Smarak Vikas Samiti, to oversee preparations and take immediate corrective action on any issues,” the DM said.On Jan 26, a temporary police station and control room will function at the Gandhi Maidan, aided by 18 watchtowers—eight permanent and 10 temporary—for comprehensive monitoring. Surveillance will be further strengthened through 128 CCTV cameras installed by Patna Smart City Limited, comprising 61 fixed, 22 PTZ (pan tilt zoom), and 45 analytic cameras, with 49 positioned around the perimeter and 79 inside the ground. All activities will be watched from the Integrated Command and Control Centre.He said lighting arrangements will be special, with 34 light towers equipped with 136 LED metal lights, 229 pole lights, and 15 high-mast lights ensuring illumination across the ground and its surroundings. Additional decorative pathway lights, 56 decorative lights, 98 pole lights inside the ground, 28 park lights near the Gandhi statue, and 131 pole lights have been installed by Patna Municipal Corporation around the perimeter, he added.The DM said ground maintenance work, including cutting of grass, pit filling, tree trimming, pathway repairs and covering of chamber slabs, was going on. The civic body has deployed 48 workers for regular cleaning, and zonal teams have been assigned the task of maintaining hygiene across the venue. Other work on cleaning, beautification, setting up drinking water facilities and water ATMs is going on.The final rehearsal is scheduled at 9am on Jan 24.Multiple first-aid centres, staffed with doctors and trained health workers, will operate with the support of the Red Cross. Additional ambulances will be stationed at major gates, beside two fire tenders will also be placed at the venue.“Parking zones have been marked, and a traffic control room has been set up. A total of 12 departmental tableaux with a maximum height of 15 feet will be displayed,” the DM said.