It is only when something goes wrong that we realise how well it had been running all along, without a hitch. Recently, passers-by noticed that the massive Indian flag fluttering high over the War Memorial, on the way to the Secretariat, was slightly damaged at the edges. One of them even posted a picture of the flag on Facebook, following which the flag was promptly replaced.

Through sources from the Ministry of Defence, it was learnt that great effort is taken to protect the Indian flag. Due to windy conditions prevailing on the coast, the edges of the flag, which is supplied by a private firm, get damaged regularly.

To prevent this, the two flags are stitched together.

“The plan to have such a massive flag was to promote the feeling of oneness and patriotism among the citizens and remind them about the sacrifices made by soldiers,” said a source.

However, since the flag is flying near the beach, heavy winds damage it frequently. According to Part 2 of the Flag Code of India, a damaged or dishevelled flag should not be displayed.

“Whenever this happens we bring down the flag and replace it with a good one,” the source added.

“It is common for flags to get damaged easily due to heavy winds, especially at the edges. Whenever the flag gets damaged, it should be de-hoisted immediately and replaced with a good one. We have appointed security guards, on shift basis, to ensure that such flags are replaced on time,” said Shahnawaz Khan, CEO, Flag Foundation of India.

Shahnawaz said that an officer has been appointed to de-hoist the flag and replace it with a good one.

“This flag was changed only two days ago,” the source said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Vivek Narayanan / June 22nd, 2018