200 high-mast tricolours damaged in Delhi storm

A day after a severe storm tore through Delhi, damaging nearly 200 high-mast national flags across the city, the Public Works Department (PWD) announced plans to hire a private agency to maintain the flags installed at 500 locations.

On Wednesday evening, a powerful storm — accompanied by heavy rain, hail and wind speeds reaching up to 79 kmph — wreaked havoc across Delhi-NCR. The sudden weather event claimed three lives, uprooted numerous trees, and disrupted road and air traffic.

The tricolours, mounted on 115-foot-high poles and made of polyester to withstand regular wear, proved no match for the extreme weather. “We’ve begun replacing the damaged national flags since early morning. Ten teams are on the ground inspecting each site. Around 200 flags require replacement, and the work should be completed within two days,” a PWD official said.

In response to repeated damage caused by inclement weather, the PWD has floated a tender to appoint a private firm for a two-year maintenance contract, with an estimated budget of Rs 27 crore.

This initiative dates back to 2022, when the previous AAP government launched a citywide installation of giant tricolours as part of its ‘Deshbhakti’ (patriotism) budget, aimed at fostering national pride.

“This is the second time in recent days that flags have been badly damaged. We had just replaced them, and now we’re back to square one. A private company will soon be hired to handle their upkeep,” another official said.

The department has maintained that all installations comply with the 2002 Flag Code of India, which governs the correct display and maintenance of the national flag. The flags have been placed at major road intersections to ensure they are prominently visible.

The forthcoming agency will be responsible not only for the flags themselves but also for maintaining the poles, motor systems, and lighting fixtures. “The company must also ensure the surrounding area is kept clean and free of any debris or obstructions,” the official added.

Also Read: Delhi: 2 killed, at least 11 injured in rain-related incidents

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi’s primary weather station in Safdarjung registered wind speeds of 79 kmph, with Palam recording 74 kmph, Pragati Maidan 78 kmph, and Pitampura 65 kmph. Rainfall between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM was reported at 12.2 mm in Safdarjung, 13 mm in Mayur Vihar, and 5 mm in Pitampura.

As the city recovers from the storm, the question of the sustainability and maintenance of such large-scale symbolic installations remains under scrutiny.

(With inputs from PTI)