CM to hoist Tricolour at dilapidated stadium in Rohtak

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is slated to hoist the national flag at the state-level Independence Day function in Rohtak on Friday.

The administrative and police authorities are leaving no stone unturned while making the necessary arrangements for the ceremony.

However, the venue selected for the function — Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex — is in a dilapidated condition, posing a challenge to the organisers.

Hence, apart from sprucing up the portion of the sports complex being used for the Independence Day function, due care and attention are also being given to cover up its grossly unmaintained infrastructure.

A visit to the sports complex on Wednesday revealed that the building was in poor shape.

Broken floors, shattered window panes and glass partitions, dysfunctional lifts, clogged, filthy and unusable toilets with broken seats and wash basins strewn with garbage can be seen in the same building, a portion of which is being decked up for the grand ceremony.

"There should be no issues if the Chief Minister and other dignitaries arrive at the venue by the designated route, go to the stage right away, follow the prescribed protocol and leave the complex. However, many heads may roll if they decide to have a look around," said an official at the complex.

Meanwhile, Rohtak Deputy Commissioner Dharmender Singh hoisted the national flag and took salute of the march-past at the final rehearsal of the function on Wednesday.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Narendra Kumar reviewed the arrangements being made for the ceremony after today's rehearsal.

Chairing a meeting of the heads of participating teams and officials concerned, the ADC gave them necessary instructions for smooth and efficient conduct of the function.

The police also carried out a search and combing operation. A bomb-disposal squad inspected various public places and sensitive points in view of the upcoming Independence Day ceremony.