Maharashtra along with Mumbai joined the nation in celebrating the 73rd Independence Day with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour today. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unfurled the national flag at State Secretariat popularly known as the Mantralaya in Mumbai.
Addressing the function CM Fadnavis said that at present the state is facing grim flood calamity. However he expressed confidence that the rehabilitation of flood affected people will be done in record break time. The CM also appreciated the efforts of all rescue agencies and people of the state. In his speech the CM also spoke about the overall growth and development programs conducted during his five years regime and asserted that the his government has worked with the aim to maintain equilibrium of Agricultural growth while taking initiative to start various modern infrastructural projects across the state.
There were solemn flag-hoisting functions organised at the Bombay High Court, Central Railway headquarters, Western Railway headquarters, Konkan Railway headquarters, BMC headquarters and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The tricolour was also hoisted amid singing of the National Anthem in schools, colleges, housing complexes, various state and central government offices, private companies, district collectorates, villages, social and cultural organisations, corporate offices and others. However, in view of the floods and resultant loss of lives in Western Maharashtra, Maharashtra CM and the Governor have cancelled customary events like lunch for diplomats and eminent citizens and “At Home” function.
The Mumbai police are on high and security has been tightenedacross the state. Over 40,000 police personnel have been deployed to avoid any untoward incident. Anti-terrorism cells at police stations, Quick Response Teams and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads are also put on . Mumbai suburban’s district collector Milind Borikar has urged citizens to use cloth flags instead of plastic flags this independence day. In a press release, Mr. Borikar has requested citizens that a proper protocol has to be followed while disposing a soiled flag.”
