From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI: Authorities of Guwahati Smart City Limited (GSCL) has said that it has initiated necessary corrective measures after the Tricolour atop Gandhi Mandap here, fluttering from a flag pole reckoned as the third tallest in the country, was found shredded by “high wind pressure”, on Wednesday.
The 120 x 80 feet Tricolour attached to the 319.5 foot flag pole was unfurled by Assam chief minister, Sarbananda Sonowal on October 2 this year. Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 2.91 crore, the project taken up by GSCL aims at developing Gandhi Mandap as a major tourist spot in Guwahati.
Meanwhile, an enquiry by the principal secretary, Guwahati Development Department, Maninder Singh, has been initiated into the incident.
In respect to the average elevation of the city, the flag pole is said to be the highest in the country.
In a press statement, GSCL said that Bajaj Electricals Limited, who are the contractors for the installation and maintenance of this project, were informed immediately after the torn flag was noticed, for corrective action.
“It has come to the notice of Guwahati Smart City Ltd that the Indian National Flag, which was installed at Gandhi Mandap has suffered a tear due to high wind pressure. As soon as the issue was brought to our notice, GSCL has initiated necessary corrective measures and immediately informed Bajaj Electricals Limited,” the statement said.
The statement said that a local team was attending to the issue and considering the sheer size and magnitude of the flag and the height of the structure, it requires considerable work under expert supervision.
“The flag, which weighs approximately half a ton, requires careful handling, for which a team of experts from Bajaj Electricals Limited, are on their way to Assam to complete necessary repair work,” it said.
It further informed that after lowering the National Flag under expert supervision, Bajaj Electricals Limited will immediately take up necessary maintenance work of the pole and its components, which also includes repainting of the pole,” it said.
GSCL had previously acquired 10 additional flags for such unforeseen natural eventualities.
“The damaged flag will be taken down. Corrective maintenance work is tentatively scheduled to finish within a weeks’ time considering the size of the structure, after which a new flag will be hoisted,” the statement said.
According to the representatives of Bajaj Electricals Limited, wear and tear in such high mast installations is observed sometimes owing to high wind velocity and pressure at that height.
“The flag pole and the structure continue to be completely safe. Engineers of Bajaj Electricals Limited have the technical expertise in the matter considering that most high mast National Flags across the country have been installed under their supervision,” it added.