Hyderabad: The Airports Authority of India has cut short Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s dream of unfurling India’s largest national flag on the country’s tallest pole.
The Chief Minister had directed the authorities to complete construction of the country’s largest and tallest flag-post (over 300 feet) at Sanjeevaiah Park for inauguration by June 2, the second anniversary of Telangana’s formation.
AAI authorities, however, have only given permission for a 167-feet pole. “We have received the application from the TS government. There are certain rules and procedures to be followed. As per norms, we gave approval for a flag post for 50 odd metres. Though Sanjeevaiah Park is not in the funnel zone, it is in close proximity to the Begumpet airport,” a senior AAI official at Begumpet airport said.
AAI officials added that after giving permission for a 51-meter-high pole, they have forwarded the TS government’s application to the AAI headquarters in Delhi, with whom the TS government can take up the issue for permission of a pole over 300 feet high.
The TS government is now pursuing it with the Centre to get permission for at least 90 metres (295 feet). Presently, the tallest tri-colour, at 293 feet, is in Ranchi.
Roads and Buildings chief engineer Mr I. Ganapathi Reddy confirmed that AAI officials in Hyderabad had approved only a 51-metre pole. However, he exuded confidence that the TS government would get permission for a flag post that was more than 300 feet high.
“Works are also on in full swing. While the pole is getting ready in Kolkata, the flag is being readied in Mumbai. They will arrive in Hyderabad by May 27 or May 28 and will be assembled here. Meanwhile, we have started the foundation work at the site,” he said, adding that the flag would be ready to be unfurled on June 2.
