Independence Day 2020 full dress rehearsals in masks at Delhi's Red Fort
New Delhi : Independence Day 2020: Two days before India celebrates Independence Day on Saturday, a full dress rehearsal was held at the Red Fort in Delhi this morning.
The participants were seen wearing raincoats as heavy rains have been reported in the national capital since last night. This year's celebration will be a severely restricted affair both in the capital and across the country because of the coronavirus pandemic that has infected over 24 lakh people in India.
During the dress rehearsals, coronavirus measures like physical distance and wearing of masks were followed strictly.
Only soldiers and officers who have either recovered from or have tested negative for Covid-19 will be part of the Independence Day function at the Red Fort. Schoolchildren will not be a part of the event this year.
Meanwhile, traffic restrictions have been imposed in and around Delhi for full dress rehearsals and Independence Day celebrations.
The Delhi Police on Tuesday issued an advisory to ensure smooth movement of vehicles across the city. According to the advisory, traffic around the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Saturday, will remain closed from 4 am to 10 am and only labelled vehicles will be allowed.
Roads to avoid
- Netaji Subhash Marg
- Lothian Road
- SP Mukherjee Marg
- Chandni Chowk Road
- Nishad Raj Marg
- Esplanade Road and its Link Road to Netaji Subhash Marg
- Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT
- Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP flyover
Vehicles without parking labels, for the rehearsal and the Independence Day function, have been advised to avoid C-Hexagon India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandra Road, Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Subhash Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg and the Ring Road between Nizamuddin Bridge and ISBT Bridge.
What Independence Day 2020 celebrations will look like, according to sources
- PM Modi will arrive at the Red Fort at 7.21 am on August 15
- The Prime Minister will unfurl the national flag at 7.30 am and address the nation
- A guard of honour by the Army, Air Force and Navy
- 22 soldiers and officers will take part in the guard of honour
- 32 soldiers and officers will take part in the national salute
- 350 Delhi Police personnel will also be present
- Soldiers will stand in four lines and follow social distancing norms
