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RUDRAPUR: The tallest flagpole in Uttarakhand, erected to let the tricolour unfurl in the heart of Rudrapur, currently stands forlorn without a flag and locals demand action for its upkeep. The 191-foot tall flagpole at Gandhi Park, inaugurated by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Oct 2021, has become a symbol of neglect and unfulfilled promises.
Shortage of funds and logistical challenges of replacing the flag when it is damaged by inclement weather have been given as reasons why the tricolour is often missing from the mast.Shiv Arora, local BJP MLA, said, “We take care of the national flag and as soon as it tears off due to wind or gets old, we replace it at the earliest. Since making a new flag with dimensions suited to flagpoles of this height is a time-consuming process, the flagpole stands bare till then.”
The neglect is all too evident, except during preparations for Independence Day and Republic Day.
Rajkumar Thukral, former legislator who funded the flagpole installation, expressed his disappointment. “When I was in office, I ensured the flag was always in place. It’s heartbreaking to see it abandoned now,” Thukral said. Locals echoed this frustration. Sanjay Juneja, president of the City Traders’ Union, said, “This flag was meant to symbolise our city’s pride and spirit. The current neglect by our local representatives and administration is shameful. They must remember the national flag deserves our utmost respect and care.”
Manish Kumar, a local, shared his anguish: “Every time I pass by and see the empty pole, it feels like a slap in the face to our national pride. It’s a disgrace that such an important symbol is treated with such apathy. We need accountability and immediate action to rectify this.”
“The flagpole, envisioned to inspire and unite, now stands as a stark reminder of promises forgotten and duties forsaken. The people’s call for respect and proper maintenance of their national emblem grows louder, demanding action before the spirit of nationalism it was meant to kindle is further dampened,” said another local, Rajeev Gagneja.
Shortage of funds and logistical challenges of replacing the flag when it is damaged by inclement weather have been given as reasons why the tricolour is often missing from the mast.Shiv Arora, local BJP MLA, said, “We take care of the national flag and as soon as it tears off due to wind or gets old, we replace it at the earliest. Since making a new flag with dimensions suited to flagpoles of this height is a time-consuming process, the flagpole stands bare till then.”
The neglect is all too evident, except during preparations for Independence Day and Republic Day.
Rajkumar Thukral, former legislator who funded the flagpole installation, expressed his disappointment. “When I was in office, I ensured the flag was always in place. It’s heartbreaking to see it abandoned now,” Thukral said. Locals echoed this frustration. Sanjay Juneja, president of the City Traders’ Union, said, “This flag was meant to symbolise our city’s pride and spirit. The current neglect by our local representatives and administration is shameful. They must remember the national flag deserves our utmost respect and care.”
Manish Kumar, a local, shared his anguish: “Every time I pass by and see the empty pole, it feels like a slap in the face to our national pride. It’s a disgrace that such an important symbol is treated with such apathy. We need accountability and immediate action to rectify this.”
“The flagpole, envisioned to inspire and unite, now stands as a stark reminder of promises forgotten and duties forsaken. The people’s call for respect and proper maintenance of their national emblem grows louder, demanding action before the spirit of nationalism it was meant to kindle is further dampened,” said another local, Rajeev Gagneja.
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