
Begin preparation for State-level Independence Day celebrations: BBMP chief Maheshwar Rao
Addressing a preliminary meeting held on July 22 at the BBMP headquarters in connection with the State level Independence Day celebrations, he instructed the officials to carry out the responsibility given to the respective departments for the successful conduct of the programme.
"As the celebration will be held at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds, concerned officials should take appropriate steps to ensure that there are no lapses in the State level programme," he said.
He instructed that that there should be no confusion in the arrangement of seats, entry gates, parking arrangement, route change and other arrangements.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News18
28 minutes ago
- News18
Committed to increasing footpaths: BBMP chief commissioner Rao
Bengaluru, Jul 26 (PTI) BBMP chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao on Saturday reaffirmed the civic body's commitment to improving walkability by expanding pedestrian infrastructure. He was speaking at the launch of a report on Saturday that detailed two years of collaborative efforts to transform one of the city's most critical urban corridors—the 7.5 km stretch of the Inner Ring Road, from Indiranagar to Koramangala. A project by the Bangalore Political Action Committee (B PAC), an NGO that aims to improve governance in Bengaluru, the report titled 'IRR Street: Standstill to Active' showcases the methodology, recommendations, implementation status, and impact of citizen-led collaborations. 'If you increase the footpaths, you will definitely increase the carrying capacity. It will reduce many other issues and promote safety. This is something we are committed to," added Rao, who also promised to allocate sufficient funds to support walkability initiatives. 'We believe that creating people-friendly streets requires ongoing collaboration, feedback, and accountability," said Revathy Ashok, managing trustee and honorary CEO of B PAC. According to her, since June 2023, B PAC has worked closely with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, the Bengaluru Traffic Police, and the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited to improve bus reliability, walkability, and road safety through a data-driven and participatory process. 'This effort is not just about fixing one road—it's about proving that data, design, and dialogue can reshape public spaces to be safer, cleaner, and more accessible. We thank all our partners and volunteers and urge more Bengalureans to join us in making streets across the city truly people-centric," she said. As part of the launch—which was attended by key figures in the civic volunteering space—B PAC also organised panel discussions with dignitaries and government representatives to discuss the next steps for implementing the recommendations outlined in the IRR report. According to the report, the 7.5-kilometre stretch of the IRR—from Indiranagar KFC Junction to Madiwala Masjid in Koramangala—has long struggled with traffic congestion, road safety issues, inadequate pedestrian access, missing crossings, and poor bus frequency. The IRR serves as a major connector between Koramangala, Domlur, Ejipura, and Indiranagar. It also connects to Indiranagar Metro Station, which sees the second-highest footfall in the city after Majestic. Some achievements of the citizen-led initiative include the addition of nine buses to the MF5 route (Indiranagar–Koramangala), resulting in 58 additional trips. Over 4,300 tonnes of debris, 130 construction barricades, and 129 tonnes of garbage were cleared from medians and footpaths along the stretch, it said. To improve drainage and mitigate flooding, the report recommends constructing shoulder drains with kerb inlets (a component of the stormwater drainage system) every 5-7 metres—especially in flood-prone zones—instead of the current 30-metre intervals being implemented on site. PTI JR SSK view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 18:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


United News of India
2 hours ago
- United News of India
'Will Not allow any country take lead in Maldivian affairs' : Maldives President
Male/New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu today asserted that it is not his Government's policy to allow any foreign country take the lead in his affairs and said that every square inch of the Indian Ocean island nation's territory will be safeguarded by Maldivians. He was addressing the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) on his country's 60th Independence Day. This is the first time in Maldives history that a Maldivian Head of State has addressed both forces at a joint ceremonial gathering. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day State visit to the Maldives, was the Guest of Honour at the celebrations. Highlighting the priority accorded by his Government to police and defence forces, President Muizzu said this focus has, at times, prompted questions regarding the rationale behind such emphasis. Referring to the vast maritime domain of the Maldives, he said that despite the country's relatively small population, it is Maldivians themselves who will bear the responsibility of defending and securing the nation's territory. He, however, acknowledged that the Maldives must rely on other nations for certain resources and technical expertise, and affirmed the Government's commitment to cooperating with international partners in this regard. The President also paid tribute to the national heroes whose sacrifices secured the nation's independence, emphasising that every Maldivian citizen should appreciate their legacy. He underscored the shared responsibility to preserve the nation's independence and security for the benefit of future generations. Reflecting on the Maldives' enduring history of independence, the President conveyed his profound gratitude to the national defence forces for their unwavering service in upholding the nation's sovereignty, particularly during the rare instances when that independence was challenged. He added that strengthening and developing the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) shall remain the Government's utmost priority. UNI RB 1412


NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
The Story Of Maldives' Independence: A Look At The Islands' Colonial Past
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations in the capital, Male, as the Guest of Honour, on Saturday. PM Modi is in the island nation at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. A look at Maldives' history The Maldives gained full independence from British rule on July 26, 1965, marking the end of a protectorate arrangement in place since 1887. While never formally colonised, the Indian Ocean archipelago remained under British influence for nearly eight decades, during which the UK oversaw its defence and foreign affairs. In 1932, the Maldives adopted its first democratic constitution, though it continued as a sultanate. A brief republican experiment began in 1953 but was soon reversed, restoring the monarchy. Following independence in 1965, the nation transitioned to a republic in 1968, formally abolishing the centuries-old sultanate system. The decision to seek complete independence was formalised through a declaration signed in Colombo on July 26, 1965, by then Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefan and British Ambassador to the Maldives, Sir Micheal Walker. How long was Maldives under crown rule? The Maldives remained under British protectorate status for around 78 years, from 1887 to 1965. During this time, the sultanate retained internal autonomy while Britain oversaw foreign affairs and defence. Throughout this period, Britain built a significant military presence in the southern atolls, especially during World War II. In 1941, Royal Navy engineers began constructing an airfield on Gan Island in Addu Atoll, later formalised as RAF Gan in 1957, which served as a staging post for Allied aircraft across the Indian Ocean until its closure in 1975-76. In March 1968, a national referendum was held in the Maldives to decide whether the country should continue as a constitutional monarchy or adopt a republican system. With over 93% voting in favour, the decision led to the abolition of the sultanate and the establishment of a presidential republic under Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir. On November 11, 1968, the new republican constitution formally came into force, marking the official end of the monarchy. That day, Ibrahim Nasir was sworn in as the first President of the Second Republic of the Maldives. PM Modi's presence at Maldives' Independence Day event PM Modi's presence in Male for the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations highlights India's long-standing support since the island nation attained sovereignty in 1965. As one of the first countries to recognise Maldivian independence, India now views this visit as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in various areas such as maritime security, regional stability, infrastructure development and cultural exchange. "The roots of our relations are older than history, and as deep as the ocean," PM Modi said after holding talks with Mr Muizzu on Friday. India-Maldives friendship will always "remain bright and clear" irrespective of any circumstances, he said.