In less than a week after it was hoisted in Hyderabad, India's largest national flag had to be replaced with a spare flag of the same size, as it was damaged by strong winds.
The 108 feet by 72 feet flag, hoisted atop more than 80 meter high pole at Sanjeevaiah Park marking the second anniversary of formation of Telangana State, was found damaged after strong winds and rains lashed the city on Monday. The officials swung into action to bring down the damaged flag in accordance with the code governing the national flag.
As the authorities had got four spare flags of the same size, replacing the damaged one did not take much time. But with the rainy season approaching fast, when strong gusty winds are a norm in the city, officials were worried what will happen if the remaining flags were also damaged by the weather factor.
Each flag weighs 65 kgs. Experts say either the quality of the material used to make the flag was not good or the size of the flag was the reason behind the damage. The entire project including the second tallest flag pole has cost the State Government Rs1.8 crore.