Lessons on how not to prepare for Republic Day

This Monday was one of the worst days for commuters in NCR as they were stuck in traffic jams for hours on end on arterial roads owing to the diversion of traffic for the dress rehearsals ahead of the Republic Day parade.

Delhi Police ought to have worked out the arrangements based on last year's preparations. Yet, they came up with an advisory without realising that the rehearsals were scheduled for Monday - a working day - this year.

Traffic conditions are always different in the weekday. The rehearsals should have been planned on a Sunday to avoid the nightmare - unless it is sacrosanct to conduct them exactly three days before the R-Day.

With the ever-growing increase in traffic flow within NCR, any kind of diversion for a considerable amount of time is bound to have an impact on the other roads.

It becomes difficult to negotiate jams of two-three hours when you are headed to the airport or the railway station. Emergency life-saving vehicles are also rendered helpless. To whom should the deaths, if any, caused due to such jams be attributed?

It is no doubt one of the mega events held to showcase the power of the nation, the government's vision and our cultural heritage before the world and every Indian takes pride in it.

But it requires massive coordination, time, resources and practice to achieve perfection to hold an event of the scale - starting from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort.

Possible security threats necessitate that elaborate and heavy security apparatus be made at least a month ahead of the D-day.

The security forces remain on alert as any lapse will be seen as challenge to our sovereignty.

Till the '70s, with tableaux passing on the majestic Rajpath, people used to line up to enjoy the parade marching up to Red Fort because the crowds weren't as large, the traffic much less and there was limited coverage on TV.

Today, people find it easier to watch the parade on TV.

Evidently, today, the mounting traffic woes and security arrangements can be handled smoothly if the parade - in its present size and composition - is restricted to a well-protected secured corridor of Rajpath, with contingents terminating at National Stadium.

Any other elaborate ceremony, if necessary, can be held at Red Fort.