Leh, Aug 12: As the Union Territory of Ladakh gears up to celebrate Independence Day 2024 at the historic Polo Ground in Leh, authorities have released a detailed traffic advisory aimed at ensuring seamless vehicular movement and hassle-free participation for all attendees. The advisory comes as preparations are in full swing for the grand event, expected to draw VIPs, dignitaries, guests, invitees, the general public, and tourists.
According to the advisory, guests and invitees are urged to strictly adhere to designated parking areas as indicated by the traffic police and administration. Vehicle passes issued with invitation cards will guide them to their allocated spots. Multiple entry gates will be available for the general public, including the Stalam Side, Skampari Side Gate, Nowshera Gali Gate, Kidar Side Gate, the Women Police Station Side Gate, and the Main Polo Ground Entry Gate.
Parade contingents and buses transporting participants are required to drop off their contingents at the Polo Ground by 08:30 AM. Following the drop-off, buses must proceed to park at Gochak Ground, Skampari. After this cutoff time, no vehicles will be allowed to enter the venue.
VIP escort vehicles will be redirected to the DC Office Gate, where they will park along the roadside in front of the SSP Office and Indoor Stadium, Leh, depending on space availability. VIPs and dignitaries will have exclusive entry through the DC Office Gate, while the Chief Guest’s vehicle will be allowed to enter via the Main Polo Ground Gate, with parking provided adjacent to the podium within the Polo Ground.
To prevent traffic congestion, on-road parking will be prohibited from Leh Gate to DC Office, SP Office, and Skampari area. Similarly, on-road parking will be restricted from Leh Gate to the Hall of Fame via Skalzangling, Petrol Pump Chowk, SNM Hospital, and BSNL Crossing. Traffic to and from Nobra side will be rerouted to Shaksha Ling and Nobra via the backside of Siachen Hotel, while Skampari market will remain off-limits to vehicles. High-Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) will be restricted from entering Leh Market from Petrol Pump and Skampari sides until the event concludes, with exceptions granted only for emergency and essential service vehicles.
Residents living near the Polo Ground are encouraged to walk to the event, while those traveling from outside the city are urged to carpool to ease traffic congestion. Authorities are calling for the full cooperation of the general public and tourists to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the Independence Day celebrations.
The advisory emphasizes that these measures are taken in the interest of public safety and the seamless execution of the national event, urging all attendees to diligently follow the guidelines.
