NDMC to install 106-ft flagpole at Shantipath

The New Delhi Municipal Council will install a 106-feet tall flagpole in the roundabout in Chanakyapuri’s Shantipath area. The council had earlier installed the highest monumental flagpole measuring 207-feet in Connaught Place area.

“We chose Shantipath as a potential spot as it is an embassy area. There was no Indian flag in the area even though it had flags from other countries. The area is an important entry point into the NDMC area. The monumental flagpole at Connaught Place had turned into a selfie point among people,” said Anant Kumar, Chief Engineer, NDMC.

The Indian flagpole will be higher than the flags at the other embassies, said Kumar. While the foundation work of the flagpole is already over, the lighting will be completed by next week.

The council had sought the permissions from the fire department and the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC).

The civic body had erected the flagpole at Connaught Place in association with the Flag Foundation of India (FFI). Last year, a row had erupted between the NDMC and FFI over the maintenance of the flag. However, this time the council is independently floating tenders for procurement of the flags.

“We will directly appoint vendors for the procurement of the flags. We are not entering into any association with Flag Foundation of India. The maintenance and other miscellaneous costs will be borne by the council. The NDMC will also bear the repair costs,” said Kumar.

The 90-feet wide and 60-feet long flag was installed on March 7, 2014 in Connaught Place. The flag was damaged several times since the installation. The FFI had later clarified that it had only sought the cooperation of the council in maintaining the tricolour.

The costs incurred by the FFI were heavy as security guards have to be deployed round-the-clock as people often end up damaging the pole by writing names on it.

The NDMC only bore halogen lights which illuminate the flag in the evening.