New Delhi After repeated episodes of strong winds and dust storms damaged the city’s 500 “Monumental Tricolour” installations, the Delhi government is set to introduce a new maintenance system and spend ₹ 33.47 crore on replacing and maintaining the flags with a more durable fabric designed to withstand extreme weather, including winds of up to Category-1 hurricane strength, officials aware of the matter said.
Once the weather improves, the flags must be re-hoisted within three days. “Its hydrophobic coating will prevent rainwater from being absorbed, reducing the weight of the massive flags when wet. The three colours will be woven using silk threads,” the official explained.
The new flags will use 180 GSM (grammes per square metre) hydrophobic-coated polyester fabric, with reinforced stitching, triple-folded hems and heavy-duty polyester webbing, based on a study commissioned by PWD. The agency will also have to lower the flags in advance when forecasts indicate violent storms or winds exceeding 120 kmph, to prevent damage and maintain the dignity of the national flag. Delays will attract a penalty of ₹ 6,000 per flag per day, officials said.
Public Works Department (PWD) officials said a team constituted earlier this year finalised a fabric capable of withstanding gusty winds, wear and tear, rain and prolonged exposure to the elements. Officials said the new fabric will be water- and stain-resistant.
HT reported in June that frequent damage had prompted the government to commission a study into fabrics that could better withstand sustained winds, rain and extreme weather. The new system will also require continuous monitoring and detailed complaint records. The move follows a series of intense dust storms in Delhi, with wind speeds crossing 100 kmph in some instances. The initial installation cost was estimated at ₹ 104 crore. Failure to maintain proper records could attract an additional penalty of ₹ 10,000 per day, officials said.
PWD minister Parvesh Verma had said engineers were examining changes in GSM and stitching quality. The monumental flag project was launched in 2022 under the previous Aam Aadmi Party government’s “Deshbhakti” budget, with around 500 installations planned at major intersections, roads and public locations.
