Damaged flagpole at Ludhiana's Gole Market raises safety concerns as R-Day approaches
Cracks at its base and rat infestation have turned the 70–80 feet high structure into a “hazard”
With Republic Day (R-Day) only a few weeks away, shopkeepers at Gole Market in Model Town are alarmed over the condition of a towering flagpole inside an adjoining park. Cracks at its base and rat infestation have turned the 70–80 feet high structure into what traders describe as a “hazard” for the busy commercial hub.
Once visited by children for playing, the park now is full with garbage piled up across walkways and green patches overrun by mosquitoes by rats.
Installed a few years ago by the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT), the pole now shows deep fissures in its supporting pipe. Traders fear that during a dust storm or heavy rain, the weakened foundation could give way, endangering hundreds of customers and shopkeepers who throng the market daily.
Local activist, Arvind Sharma has raised the issue with authorities alleging that “more than half of the pole’s base pipe looks damaged and weakened”. He claimed that substandard material might have been used during installation of the pole, despite LIT spending nearly Rs 1.10 crore on redevelopment of the park in 2017.
“The structure has deteriorated far too quickly. It is not just about safety, it is about respect for the Tricolour,” said Sharma.
Echoing similar concerns, other traders said, “If this pole collapses, it will cause serious loss of life and property. The park itself has become unsafe, with rats burrowing around the pole’s foundation.”
“The condition of pole is scary,” said Ramesh Gupta, who runs a garment shop nearby. Another shopkeeper said, “Republic Day is a matter of pride, but how can we celebrate when the flag itself is at risk? The park looks neglected. This reflects poorly on the authorities concerned. Once a space for children to play and residents to gather in the evenings for walks and talks, the park has become a source of discomfort and concern for the local community.”
Traders demanded that the damaged pole be replaced entirely rather than patched up, while urging the LIT chairman, Municipal Corporation officials, and the Deputy Commissioner to intervene into matter and resolve the issue before January 26.
According to an LIT official, workers who executed the project had been directed to inspect the pole and carry out necessary repairs at the earliest.
