Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority has its task cut out in the monsoon season maintaining the National Flag at Sanjeevaiah Park, among the largets in the country. The TRS government unfurled this gigantic flag in this park on June 2, 2016.
The high winds on Saturday afternoon, tore off a bit of the upper part of the Tricolour. In fact, the strong and gusty winds during the rainy season can damage the 72 feet x 108 feet flag.
HMDA has had to replace 18 flags in the first year alone. It has spent Rs 40 lakh to buy new flags and maintain them, and on power bills. The flags are made by a Khammam-based couple, who are into flag research of various countries.
The polyester cloth is bought in the Surat textile market and each flag costs '1.15 lakh. The longest period the flag has lasted is 28 days and the shortest, two days. HMDA has decided to procure four new flags to keep them as stand-by. Beautification of Sanjeevaiah Park is also in full swing and should be completed by August 15.
An octagonal shaped platform near the flag base with flower beds in the middle and steps to walk on four sides is being made using Bengaluru stone.
Thirty metres from the base of the pole, a circular two foot high concrete wall has been erected topped by an iron grille (in the colours of the Tricolour). The HMDA hopes the public will see this as a good place to pose for pictures, instead of venturing to the base of the flagpole. The HMDA is spending Rs 75 lakh on this beautification.
Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan made a surprise visit to Sanjeevaiah Park on Saturday evening with his wife and family. They spent 10 minutes near the flag site and also went around the children's park and butterfly garden.
