Pakistan Rangers have raised an objection to the proposed installation of India’s largest tricolour on the tallest flagpole, a whopping 360-foot high (110 metres), close to the border zone in Attari near Amritsar.
The tricolour, measuring 36 metres in length and 24 metres in width will be inaugurated on Sunday, Amritsar district Public Relations Officer Sher Jung Singh told DH.
The flagpole — which is at least 30 metres taller than the Qutab Minar — and the flag will be under the care and supervision of the Border Security Force (BSF). It will be visible from Amritsar and Lahore in Pakistan, which is just about 20km from the Attari-Wagha international border.
Sources said the Pakistan Rangers, during a recent meeting with the BSF, expressed concern over such a tall structure being installed just 200 metres from the international border. The concern revolved around security and surveillance issues. The BSF for its part discounted the apprehensions as unfounded.
A special crane has been requisitioned from Mumbai for the installation of the flagpole. This assignment alone will cost about Rs 61 lakh. The entire project will cost at least Rs 4.5 crore and is being funded by the Amritsar Improvement Trust.
A whopping 55 tonnes of metal has been used in the gigantic flagpole which has a 20-foot deep foundation. The BSF has been provided with nearly 20 flags in case replacement is required due to damage.
The unit is capable of withstanding heavy winds and tremors. At present, the country’s largest national flag is located in Ranchi with a flagpole measuring 293 feet. It was hoisted last year by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
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