Delhi Dust Storm Damages 200 High-Mast Tricolours; PWD Engages Private Agency for Maintenance

Delhi Dust Storm Damages 200 High-Mast Tricolours: A day after around 200 high-mast flags were damaged in a massive storm that hit the national capital, on Thursday, the Public Works Department said a private agency would be hired to look after such flags placed at 500 locations.

The fury of a hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rainfall and winds at the speed of 79 kmph, late on Wednesday evening, pummelled Delhi-NCR, claiming three lives, uprooting trees, and creating obstructions in road and air traffic.

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According to an official, these flags erected on poles of 115-feet height were made out of polyester so that they would not get damaged very frequently. However, they failed to withstand very strong winds.

"We have started replacing the damaged national flags since early morning. Ten teams are on the ground inspecting the condition of the flags. Around 200 flags will need replacement. The work will be completed in the next two days," the official told PTI.

The Public Works Department has floated a tender inviting bids for two years for the maintenance of these large flags at a cost of ₹27 crore.

The installation of huge tricolours across the city commenced in 2022 when the last AAP government, under the so-called 'Deshbhakti' budget, had announced this initiative with the aim of inspiring a feeling of nationalism.

"This is the second time in the last few days that the flags were damaged. Just a few days ago, almost all the flags were wrecked and we replaced them, and now they are damaged again. We plan to soon hire a private company for their maintenance. A tender has been floated," said another official.

While erecting these flags, the department took into cognizance the Indian Flag Code Rules 2002 pertaining to the laws and practices regarding the display of the national flag.

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The tricolours are set up on key intersections on main roads to ensure maximum visibility.

The private agency about to be hired by the public works department will be tasked with dispatching a team that will oversee the maintenance of the flags and ensure the repair works related to the flag mast, motor, and light fixture.

"The agency will have to ensure that the surroundings are kept clean, free of debris and obstructions," the official said.

On Wednesday evening, dust storms, and high winds hit Delhi, with 79 kilometres per hour (kmph) recorded by Safdarjung, Delhi's primary weather station. Other stations run by the India Meteorological Department noted Palam - 74 kmph; Pragati Maidan - 78 kmph; and Pitampura - 65 kmph.

Between 5.30 pm and 8.30 pm, rain recorded at Safdarjung was 12.2 mm. Mayur Vihar noted 13 mm, and Pitampura 5 mm.

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