A labourer paints the platform near the main stage at Morabadi grounds in Ranchi on Tuesday. (Hardeep Singh)

Morabadi grounds in Ranchi is all ready to host Thursday’s Independence Day celebrations during which chief minister Hemant Soren will hoist the national flag in the presence of state dignitaries.

On Tuesday, as many as 14 platoons of Indian Army, Indian Tibet Border Police, Central Reserve Police Force, District Armed Police, Jharkhand Armed Police, NCC, Seema Suraksha Bal and others participated in the full dress rehearsal for the official parade on August 15.

The venue was also spruced up. Sweepers removed garbage and cleaned the approach roads to the grounds. Workers sprayed stone dust on the parade arena to help dry rainwater. Finishing touches were given to the 250-feet long and 8-feet tall temporary wooden gallery built for the audience. At least 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the Independence Day function.

Ranchi DC Vinay Kumar Choubey said: “The gallery has been covered with shed. Those taking part in the parade also need not worry as stone dust will absorb rainwater in case there are showers on August 15.”

Further, tight security arrangements have been made in the city as well as Morabadi grounds.

SSP Saket Kumar Singh said: “A battalion each from District Armed Police and Jharkhand Armed Police have been deputed to keep vigil on roads leading to the parade ground. Armed forces equipped with door frame and hand-held metal detectors will be deputed at the VIP entrance.”

The traffic department is leaving no stone unturned to control congestion. A ban will be put on heavy vehicles in the city from 6am to 9pm.