Rows of sturdy, white waterproof tents are now being pulled into place to cover the inner courtyard of the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, transforming the historic site into a weatherproof stage for Hyderabad’s Independence Day celebrations. This year, the familiar open-air seating, about one acre in size — where the parade marches past dignitaries and cultural troupes perform in the Rani Mahal area — is being sheltered as Indian Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall. From the flag-hoisting platform to the seating for thousands of guests, every corner is now under protective canopies.

“The Roads and Buildings Department is putting up waterproof tents. These will cover the stage where children present cultural performances as well as the seating area for the guests,” informed Towlichowki ACP Syed Fiaz, who is overseeing part of the deployment. In addition, waterproof mats are being spread across the grass where the parade will take place to provide firm footing , he added.

More than 5,000 guests, including dignitaries, schoolchildren and visitors from across the city, are expected to attend the event. Over 800 police personnel have been deployed in and around the venue for bandobast. “Security arrangements are in place across the venue and approach routes, with police teams, access control points and crowd management measures,” Mr. Fiaz said. Visitors were advised to carry raincoats and umbrellas.

Full-dress rehearsals and a flag march were carried out on Wednesday (August 13, 2025) morning before the rains hit the city. Joint inspections by the police, district administration and municipal authorities have also been completed. Decorations and ground markings will be finalised in the next two days .

While the weather is shaping many of the logistical changes, security measures are also being stepped up for the occasion. The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) is serving as the nerve centre of operations.

“Surveillance has been intensified with close coordination between agencies, enhanced screening of visitors, deployment of additional personnel and sniffer dogs, intensified bag checks, and closer supervision by senior officers. Heightened security has been put in place at Golconda Fort, the Secretariat, Assembly, BRKR Bhavan, police headquarters and other key installations,” said C.V. Anand, Hyderabad Police Commissioner, adding that in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, officials are maintaining the highest levels of vigilance in line with the national security consciousness.

However, security this year goes beyond crowd control and access checks. Joint teams from the Traffic Police, Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have already been stationed to manage rain-related contingencies — from clearing waterlogged stretches near the fort to conducting evacuations if weather conditions worsen.

“We have rehearsed multiple scenarios, including heavy rainfall during the event. Waterlogging points across the city, including key routes leading to Golconda Fort, have been identified, and wherever possible, such as near Mehdi Function Hall and Bible House, 20–25 horsepower motors have been deployed to pump out water and prevent traffic congestion,” said Hyderabad Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D. Joel Davis.

Traffic management is also being fine-tuned. The traffic wing of Hyderabad police has marked designated parking spaces for VIPs, pass holders and the general public. Temporary diversions will be enforced during peak arrival and dispersal hours, with clear signages being installed to guide motorists. “We anticipate congestion at Makki Darwaza and Banjari Darwaza due to cultural events in schools. Other than that, need-based diversions will be implemented on the day of the event and for the Chief Minister’s movement,” Mr. Davis said.

For residents and visitors, the celebrations will look much the same — the tricolour fluttering against the fort’s stone backdrop, the ceremonial march past, the rhythms of music and dance. Behind the scenes is a finely choreographed exercise in preparedness and resilience.