Golconda Fort will get rainproof makeover for Independence Day celebrations; safety tightened throughout Hyderabad

Rows of sturdy, white waterproof tents at the moment are being pulled into place to cowl the internal courtyard of the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, reworking the historic web site right into a weatherproof stage for Hyderabad’s Independence Day celebrations. This 12 months, the acquainted open-air seating, about one acre in dimension — the place the parade marches previous dignitaries and cultural troupes carry out within the Rani Mahal space — is being sheltered as Indian Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall. From the flag-hoisting platform to the seating for hundreds of visitors, each nook is now beneath protecting canopies.

“The Roads and Buildings Department is placing up waterproof tents. These will cowl the stage the place youngsters current cultural performances in addition to the seating space for the visitors,” knowledgeable Towlichowki ACP Syed Fiaz, who’s overseeing a part of the deployment. In addition, waterproof mats are being unfold throughout the grass the place the parade will happen to offer agency footing , he added.

More than 5,000 visitors, together with dignitaries, schoolchildren and guests from throughout town, are anticipated to attend the occasion. Over 800 police personnel have been deployed in and across the venue for bandobast. “Security preparations are in place throughout the venue and strategy routes, with police groups, entry management factors and crowd administration measures,” Mr. Fiaz stated. Visitors have been suggested to hold raincoats and umbrellas.

Full-dress rehearsals and a flag march have been carried out on Wednesday (August 13, 2025) morning earlier than the rains hit town. Joint inspections by the police, district administration and municipal authorities have additionally been accomplished. Decorations and floor markings might be finalised within the subsequent two days .

While the climate is shaping lots of the logistical modifications, safety measures are additionally being stepped up for the event. The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) is serving because the nerve centre of operations.

“Surveillance has been intensified with shut coordination between companies, enhanced screening of tourists, deployment of extra personnel and sniffer canines, intensified bag checks, and nearer supervision by senior officers. Heightened safety has been put in place at Golconda Fort, the Secretariat, Assembly, BRKR Bhavan, police headquarters and different key installations,” stated C.V. Anand, Hyderabad Police Commissioner, including that within the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, officers are sustaining the best ranges of vigilance in keeping with the nationwide safety consciousness.

However, safety this 12 months goes past crowd management and entry checks. Joint groups from the Traffic Police, Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have already been stationed to handle rain-related contingencies — from clearing waterlogged stretches close to the fort to conducting evacuations if climate situations worsen.

“We have rehearsed a number of situations, together with heavy rainfall through the occasion. Waterlogging factors throughout town, together with key routes resulting in Golconda Fort, have been recognized, and wherever potential, equivalent to close to Mehdi Function Hall and Bible House, 20–25 horsepower motors have been deployed to pump out water and forestall visitors congestion,” stated Hyderabad Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D. Joel Davis.

Traffic administration can be being fine-tuned. The visitors wing of Hyderabad police has marked designated parking areas for VIPs, go holders and most of the people. Temporary diversions might be enforced throughout peak arrival and dispersal hours, with clear signages being put in to information motorists. “We anticipate congestion at Makki Darwaza and Banjari Darwaza attributable to cultural occasions in colleges. Other than that, need-based diversions might be carried out on the day of the occasion and for the Chief Minister’s motion,” Mr. Davis stated.

For residents and guests, the celebrations will look a lot the identical — the tricolour fluttering towards the fort’s stone backdrop, the ceremonial march previous, the rhythms of music and dance. Behind the scenes is a finely choreographed train in preparedness and resilience.