Delhi govt launches study to find tougher fabric for capital’s 500 national flags

The Delhi government has commissioned a scientific study to identify more durable fabric for the national flags installed across the capital, following repeated damage caused by strong winds and adverse weather conditions.

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Wednesday said a team of engineers has been tasked to determine a fabric that can better withstand wind and resist damage to the Tricolour.

“The team will select five types of flag fabrics which will then be tested for wear and tear, and in rain and storm conditions, and the most durable fabric will be selected and used (for the Tricolour) at all spots,” the minister said.

After getting several complaints of damage, the PWD had earlier this month decided to bring down all the 500 national flags across the city.

According to officials, 115-foot-high flagpoles are situated at 500 locations across the capital. The flags — made out of polyester material — though quite durable, cannot withstand strong winds.

The Tricolours usually replaced around four times a year, including the occasions of Independence Day and Republic Day.

“The flags are huge; our current maintenance involves washing of flags five times a year, but the fabric material is unable to stand strong winds. In the fresh tender, we will ask the new contractors to replace the old flags with new ones, our aim is to enure there is no damaged to the Tricolour,” Singh said.

The installation of the national flags started in 2022 when the previous AAP government, under its ‘Deshbhakti’ budget, announced the initiative to cover the capital with Tricolour to garner a sense of ‘nationalism’.

According to PWD officials, maintenance teams regularly check for damaged flags.

While installing the Tricolour, the department abides by the 2002 Flag Code of India rules pertaining to laws and practices regarding the display of the national flag.

The flags are located at key intersections to ensure that every Delhiite comes across these flags during their daily commute.