People urged to use paper-made national flags

Vijayawada: The State government on Saturday directed the District Collectors and the heads of departments to ensure that only flags made of paper be usedinstead of plastic-made on important national, cultural and sports events.

In a press release issued by the Commissioner of Information and Public Relations here on Saturday, the government said the plastic flags, which are not biodegradable, should not be used as they do not get destroyed for a long time and their appearance on ground, hanging on trees, poles, gates, doors, windows, buildings and walls will affect the dignity of the Flag.

As per rules of Flag Code of India, 2002, the national flag should not be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting or in any other manner for decoration and the flag made of paper may be waved by public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events.

Such paper flags should be disposed of in private consistent with the dignity of the flag. All the Collectors and District Magistrates, superintendents of police, heads of departments are requested to launch awareness campaigns and circulate the pamphlets against the same and instruct the police stations, authorities concerned and organisers to identify places where the national flag hoisting will be done.