K’taka: Priyank Kharge reviews security for I-Day event

Bengaluru, Aug 12 (AHN) Ahead of the state’s first public ‘Independence Festival–2026’ to be held at the historic Vidhana Soudha on August 15, Home, Information Technology and Biotechnology and e‑Governance Minister Priyank Kharge held a meeting with senior police and Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials on Wednesday to review security and traffic arrangements.

With a large number of people expected to attend the festival, Kharge directed officials to take all necessary precautionary measures, including security arrangements, traffic management, public entry and exit, vehicle parking and crowd management.

The festival will be held at Vidhana Soudha from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It will feature several programmes, including ‘The People’s India Parade’, a special tour of Vidhana Soudha, a children’s fair, quiz competitions, cultural programmes, a musical concert, and food and handicraft exhibitions showcasing various districts of Karnataka.

Kharge asked officials to pay special attention to security and crowd management during the evening musical programme and the fireworks display, when a large number of people are expected to gather.

He directed the authorities to ensure smooth traffic movement and pedestrian safety and make adequate arrangements for emergency services so that members of the public do not face inconvenience while attending the event.

The minister also instructed officials from various departments to work in close coordination and ensure that there are no lapses in public safety during the celebrations.

GBA Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, and senior officials from the police department, GBA and other concerned departments attended the meeting.