By IANS,
Hyderabad : Patriotic fervour marked the 66th Independence Day celebrations across Andhra Pradesh.
The main official celebration was held at Secunderabad Parade Grounds in the state capital where Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy unfurled the national flag and reviewed the colourful passing out parade by police contingents.
In an open top jeep, he went around the sprawling grounds to reviewed the contingents of police, Scouts and Guides and NCC amid tight security.
Various welfare and development schemes of the government were highlighted by tableaux of different departments. Kiran Kumar Reddy gave away awards to meritorious policemen.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister announced that an additional 30 lakh acres of land would be irrigated under ‘Jalayagnam’ programme over next two years. The ambitious programme has already irrigated 21 lakh acres.
Kiran Kumar Reddy said the state had urged the centre to link Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme with irrigation so that farmers can benefit from it.
Listing out various welfare schemes like Rajiv Arogyasri, Indiramma Housing, fee reimbursement, free electricity to farmers and Re.1 a kg rice, the chief minister said he was visiting every district to personally monitor their implementation.
“My government is committed to provide a transparent, accountable and honest administration,” he said.
Assembly speaker N. Manohar hoisted the national flag in the assembly premises. Legislative council chairman Chakrapani did the same in the council building.
State Congress chief Botsa Satyanarayana hoisted the flag at party headquarters Gandhi Bhavan in the presence of the Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha.
Main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) also celebrated the day at its headquarters NTR Trust Bhavan. The leader of opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu unfurled the national flag.
Y.S. Vijayamma, honorary president of YSR Congress Party, hoisted the tricolour at the party office.
The celebrations were also held at the offices of TRS, BJP, CPI, CPI-M and Lok Satta.
A festive atmosphere prevailed in Hyderabad and other towns with the people in neighbourhoods hoisting the national flag. Some groups voluntarily played patriotic songs while children participated in the celebrations at schools.
The official celebrations were held in all district headquarters with the collectors hoisting the flag and taking the salute.
Elaborate security arrangements were made in Hyderabad and the rest of the state to prevent any untoward incident.