Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal reviews preparations for 79th Independence Day celebrations in Ladakh

Leh, July 28: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, chaired a important review meeting to oversee the preparations for the 79th Independence Day celebrations across Ladakh.
The meeting focused on ensuring the smooth and dignified conduct of events in both Leh and Kargil districts, emphasizing discipline, cultural integration, and public participation.
Dr. Kotwal stressed that the opening ceremony must begin with a well-coordinated drill by paramilitary forces and others, underlined the importance of surpassing the standards set in previous years. The venue for the celebrations will remain the same in both districts. He emphasized the correct ceremonial distinction between the hoisting and unfurling of the National Flag, which will be carried out by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
He directed SDMs and Tehsildars to maintain the solemnity of the event, ensure timely distribution of invitations, and adhere strictly to the schedule. Instructions were issued to the Municipal Committees to ensure cleanliness and manage stray dog control to prevent inconvenience during the function. Cultural programmes are to be brief, disciplined, and well-curated, reflecting Ladakh’s heritage.
The Chief Engineer of R&B was instructed to ensure adequate infrastructure arrangements at the venue. Adequate security measures will be put in place by the DGP, and the School Education Department and respective Deputy Commissioners were tasked with selecting enthusiastic students from various schools to participate in cultural performances and the march past.
Dr. Kotwal also encouraged organizing an evening programme at the market to engage tourists and foster patriotic spirit.
Special attention was given to the arrangement of refreshments for dignitaries, playing of patriotic songs before the commencement of the programme, and well-planned seating arrangements for religious and government officials. He also emphasized the need to update speeches with recent developmental milestones, including women’s reservation, gazetted employment opportunities for locals, and awareness of major policy reforms and achievements in the past year.
Instructions were given to decorate key locations such as Polo Ground and Popular Chowk to instill a sense of pride and remind people that Independence Day is a celebration of hard-won freedom. Medical teams are to remain on standby, and drinking water facilities must be arranged.
The programme will also highlight stories of Ladakhi heroes and brave soldiers to inspire the younger generation and deepen public understanding of the significance of Independence Day.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from various departments, including Principal Secretary; Director General of Police; Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Heads, Police and Defence officers, Directors, Chief Engineers, and representatives from the Cultural Academy, Information Department, NIC, and local municipal bodies of Leh and Kargil.