NEW DELHI: Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the capital are worried about how to properly dispose of these flags after the festivities as the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign gains momentum.
RWAs are brainstorming ideas throughout the city to prevent disrespect for the flag. They are doing social media initiatives to raise awareness of the regulations. Some of them will even start campaigns to collect household flags and dispose of them respectfully.
The "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav's"' "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign got underway on Saturday. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's independence, the Union government has invited people to hoist or display tricolours in their homes from August 13 to 15.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reported that it has instructed its Safai Sainiks to collect dirty or disorganised flags separately after becoming aware of the dumping of flags.
"MCD attaches huge importance and dignity to the national flag. In pursuance of this, it has given special instructions to its Safai Sainiks to collect dishevelled or soiled flags separately and deposit them in their respective zonal control room," MCD director (Press and Information) Amit Kumar told PTI.
"These flags will then be disposed of with all dignity and respect as per the prescriptions laid down in the Flag Code," he added.
According to the Flag Code, 2002, a damaged or soiled flag shall be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or any other method consistent with its dignity.
Atul Goyal, who heads the United Residents Joint Action (URJA), a civil society initiative of 2,500 residents' welfare associations, said lakhs of flags will be used this Independence Day and they should be disposed of appropriately.
"We don't want flags to be lying in dustbins or on roads. It is our pride and should be given the respect it deserves. The major challenge for authorities and us is to ensure that the flags are disposed of correctly," he said.
Goyal said URJA has issued a circular to all RWAs members to collect flags from their area and deposit them at a designated place. "URJA will then dispose of the flags and ensure there is no disrespect," he said.
B S Vohra, president of East Delhi RWAs joint front, shared a similar concern regarding flag disposal. "To avoid any disrespect to the flag, we are running a social media campaign and informing people about the rules to be followed. After the celebration, we will also visit the localities and ensure there are no flags lying on roads," he said.
With inputs from PTI