Repeated dust storms and strong winds that damaged hundreds of giant Tricolours across the national capital have prompted the Delhi government to review its flagship "Deshbhakti" initiative, with officials exploring stronger fabric and revised maintenance practices to improve the durability of the installations.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has commissioned a technical study to identify more resilient materials for the nearly 500 large national flags installed across Delhi under the programme launched in 2022. The review will also assess changes to maintenance contracts, including reducing wash cycles and increasing the frequency of flag replacements.
As per a Hindustan Times report, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma said engineers have been directed to examine alternative fabrics capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and high-speed winds.
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"We are identifying fabric with better GSM (grams per square metre) and improved thread quality in the stitching. Our engineers are visiting major garment exporters and will shortlist five different types of fabric. These will be tested for wear and tear, as well as their performance during rain and storm conditions," Verma said.
Technical study to focus on durability
The review follows a series of severe weather events in Delhi. On June 9, wind speeds crossed 120 kmph in some parts of the city, making it one of the strongest wind events recorded in recent years.
According to PWD officials, multiple Tricolour installations suffered damage during the storms. Torn flags were reported from several locations, including Sarojini Nagar, Seemapuri, Nand Nagari, Nizamuddin, Ashok Vihar, Malviya Nagar, Dilshad Colony and Dhaula Kuan.
Pexels The damage forced authorities to temporarily remove all 500 giant flags during periods of severe weather. Officials said the current flags are made of polyester and have generally performed well under normal conditions. However, repeated exposure to strong winds and weather fluctuations has weakened the fabric over time.
Verma said existing maintenance contracts permit each flag to be washed five times before replacement. "These are massive flags and repeated washings weaken the material, making them more vulnerable during storms," he said.
Contractors may have to use durable fabrics, cut down on washing rounds and change flags more often. The government has thought of increasing fresh installations from four times a year to eight times per annum.
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An official at the PWD department informed that the engineering team was supposed to come up with its suggestions within the next two weeks. In addition, the research will look into those materials that do not get stained quickly and need lesser maintenance.
The huge Tricolour installation scheme was started by the AAP government as part of the "Deshbhakti Budget" in 2022 to celebrate 75 years of India's Independence. Some 500 flagpoles had been set up at various places in the city including roads, educational institutions, open spaces, important intersections such as Rajghat, Signature Bridge, Laxmi Nagar and Apsara Border at an initial cost of ₹104 crore.
Considering that Delhi is facing extreme weather conditions more frequently now, it has become important for the authorities to make the installation scheme durable and save the symbolic project.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Delhi examining its giant Tricolor project?
The review process was initiated following numerous instances of dust storms and windstorms causing damage to several national flags placed around the city.
Q2. What modifications is the Delhi administration proposing?
The Delhi government is looking at modifications in the type of material used, improved stitching, fewer washes, and increased replacement frequency of the flags.
