Chief Minister Joseph Vijay will hoist the national flag for the first time at Fort St. George to mark Independence Day. In preparation for the event, the route from Neelankarai to the Secretariat, along with the Secretariat complex itself, has been designated a red zone with heightened security. Authorities have imposed a strict ban on drone flights in these areas on August 14 and 15.
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister will present the Thagaisal Thamizhar award, which includes a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, to individuals who have contributed to the state's development. He will also distribute various state awards recognizing excellence in science and technology, bravery, good governance, disability welfare, women's empowerment, and local administration. Vijay will be the seventh Chief Minister to hoist the national flag at the Fort St. George ramparts, as rehearsals for the Independence Day parade continue along Marina Beach.
