Hoisting plastic flags an offence this I-Day

Hoisting the tricolour may become an offence this Independence Day, if the flag is made of plastic.

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has planned a plastic-free Independence Day celebration and any violation of this would result in severe penalty to the offender.

Palike Commissioner M K Shankarlinge Gowda on Saturday held a meeting with various government agencies such as the BDA, BWSSB,  Bescom, City Police, NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, Public Works Department and Defence Services.

However, no representatives from the Indian Railways attended the meeting though the Railways contributes a huge pile of plastic litter at its Railway stations.

It was decided that use of plastic festoons and national flags would be strictly prohibited during the Independence Day.

In case of violation, the Palike will confiscate the plastic material, it will also cancel the trade licence of the manufacturer and file a criminal case against the offender.

The Palike will appeal to all the political parties to use flags and festoons made of paper or cloth.