New Delhi: Independence Day deadline has turned the Red Fort zone into a civic repair-and-clean-up mission with agencies being asked to fix everything from waterlogging and damaged roads to drains, manholes, stray animals and public facilities before the celebration begins.After heavy rainfall caused waterlogging on roads leading to the venue, the defence ministry sought immediate intervention from the city’s agencies to redress the situation. MCD, NDMC, PWD and DJB were asked to ensure that drains, sewers and public areas around Red Fort and Chandni Chowk are cleaned; DJB has been specifically tasked with cleaning manholes and sewers.MCD has also been directed to remove stray dogs from the venue and designated routes; arrangements are being made to prevent monkeys from entering the area. Authorities have also been asked to reduce bird activity by ensuring that food waste does not attract birds.“Preparations for Independence Day are part of our routine annual exercise. Every year, all concerned departments work in coordination to ensure that the venue and surrounding areas are properly cleaned, roads and drains are maintained and public facilities are in place. This year too, our teams are carrying out the required work as per the directions and timelines. The objective is to ensure that all arrangements are completed well in advance and that there is no inconvenience to visitors or participants on the day of the celebrations,” MCD official told to TOI.With waterlogging identified as a top concern, agencies have been ordered to complete desilting in advance and keep heavy-duty pumps ready at vulnerable spots, with pump operators stationed there at least two days before the event.Temporary toilets, sturdy ramps and staircases, adequate lighting and night-time monitoring around the Red Fort were also ordered. Fire tenders, ambulances and other emergency services will be ready, along with contingency traffic plans.Buses will begin operating from 4am on Independence Day, with feeder services planned for nearby Metro stations where required. More bilingual, weather-resistant and tamper-proof directional signage is also being planned to help manage crowds.
