NDMC to install CP-like monumental flag at Shantipath

After erecting the country’s highest monumental flagpole in Connaught Place, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to install a similar 102-feet high structure at Shantipath in Chanakyapuri area.

The 207-feet tall flagpole in Connaught Place has been a centre of attraction for those frequenting the area since its installation last year.

“The flag will be hoisted on top of a 102-feet high mast in Shantipath area. We realised the area has all the Embassies where flags of their respective countries fly high, but there is no Indian flag. So, we decided to have a monumental flagpole there,” NDMC’s Chief Engineer Anant Kumar said.

“The decision regarding the same was taken by the council in July and then a site in the area was earmarked. 

The flag will measure 36x20 feet. The foundation work has been done... the flagpole will be erected by next week and the lighting too will be completed,” he added.

The height of the flagpole will be higher than the flags flying at the Embassy buildings and the structure will be open for public.

“Following the decision, we had to take permissions from the fire department, electricity department and Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC),” Kumar said.

The civic body is working on the project in association with the Flag Foundation of India, which is also taking care of the upkeep and maintenance of the CP flagpole.

Expenses for the project are being borne by <g data-gr-id="31">NDMC,</g> while the foundation is facilitating procurement of the flagpole.

“It is a tedious task to procure these flags and then maintain them. 

“Each of the flags of this size cost around Rs 65,000 and each time when they suffer any damage, their repair costs around Rs 3,500-4,000,” Flag Foundation of India CEO K V Singh said.

“It has to be taken care that when the wind is blowing the flag has to be lowered else it will be damaged. So, maintenance is a huge responsibility,” he added.