Agartala, Aug 10: Along with other parts of the country, Tripura will celebrate the country’s 80th Independence Day on August 15 with a series of programmes across the state.

While the administration stepped up its preparations to join the national celebration in full gear, police are planning tight security to avoid any untoward incident and border guards maintaining a close vigil on India-Bangladesh international border.

The main celebration in Agartala is scheduled to be held at the Assam Rifles Ground.

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha will hoist the National Flag and receive the ceremonial salute at 9:10 am at the main Independence Day function.

As part of the celebrations, a cleanliness drive will be held in the city throughout August 14, covering the Assam Rifles Ground, Gandhi Ghat, Shahid Minar, government offices, educational institutions and other key locations.

An open cross-country competition will also be held from 6 am on August 14, starting from the Umakanta Academy premises. The event will feature a 3-km race for women and a 5-km race for men.

The Independence Day programmes in Agartala will begin at 5 am on August 15 with a Prabhat Pheri. Students from various schools will take part in the procession through major roads of the city. Following sunrise, the national flag will be hoisted at private residences.

At 7 am, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath will hoist the national Flag at the Secretariat premises. Flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at government offices and educational institutions across the city.

Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu will pay floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi statue near Circuit House at 8 am. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath will be present on the occasion.

The Governor will then pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Ghat at 8:15 am by offering floral tributes at the Gandhi Bedi. He will subsequently pay tribute to the martyrs at the Shahid Minar at Albert Ekka Park in Lichubagan at 8:35 am. The Agriculture Minister will remain present at both programmes.

The main Independence Day function at the Assam Rifles Ground will begin at 9:10 am with Chief Minister Manik Saha hosting the national flag and receiving the ceremonial salute. He will then inspect the parade and present various awards and medals.

At 9:50 am, the Chief Minister will address the people of the state.

As part of the celebrations, a cultural programme featuring prominent artists from Tripura will be held at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Town Hall at 5 pm on August 15.

A programme will also be organised at Lok Bhavan at 6 pm, bringing the day’s celebrations to a close.