Chandigarh, 23 January 2025: For the first time in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation’s history, the fire department will not present its tableau at the Republic Day function in Sector 17’s Parade Ground due to financial constraints faced by the civic body.
Traditionally, the fire department creates a themed tableau for Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations, a practice recognized twice in the past five years with awards for the best fire safety tableau. However, this year, the civic body has opted to feature only one tableau, centered on the “Swachh Bharat Mission,” leaving out the fire safety display.
Station Fire Officer of Sector 17, Lal Bahadur Gautam, said, “We received instructions from senior officials not to prepare a tableau this year. We don’t know the reason, but this is the first time such an omission has occurred.” Another senior official clarified, “The primary reason is the financial crunch.”
City Mayor Kuldeep Kumar Dhalor, when asked about the decision, stated, “I am not aware of this matter but will discuss it with the MC Commissioner.” The financial challenges have also led to several stalled development projects across the city.
Chandigarh’s Tableau Returns to Delhi After a Decade
Meanwhile, Chandigarh has secured a spot in New Delhi’s Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path for the first time since 2014. The tableau, themed “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development), highlights the city’s cultural heritage and modern achievements.
Chandigarh last featured in the Delhi parade in 2014 with a tableau inspired by Nek Chand’s iconic Rock Garden. The selection process for the prestigious event, overseen by the Ministry of Defence, requires passing six qualifying rounds. This year’s inclusion marks a significant milestone, showcasing the Union Territory’s contributions on a national stage.
