At Attari, Tricolour flutters on country’s tallest 360-ft mast

A 120-foot-long and 80-foot-wide Tricolour was hoisted on India’s tallest 360-foot flag post at the border here on Sunday.

Till now, Ranchi had the tallest flag mast, at 300 feet.

The post stands near the retreat ceremony area on land owned by the Punjab government and the ₹4-crore project was completed by the Amritsar Improvement Trust.

The project was inaugurated by Punjab local bodies minister, Anil Joshi, at a ceremony attended by officers of the Border Security Force (BSF) and BJP leaders, including former state chief Kamal Sharma. Officials of the district administration did not attend the ceremony due to the model code of conduct during elections.

As the Tricolour was hoisted on the imposing iron mast, it became an instant attraction for tourists who took selfies and pictures to capture the flag in the background. Floodlights have been installed around the flag post that will make it visible at night. The flag will be visible miles away from the border.

Terming this as his dream project, Joshi said he took special permission from the Election Commission for the inauguration.

“This is the right place for this project as thousands of people come here every day. This will inculcate a feeling of patriotism in their minds,” he said.

BSF inspector general for Punjab Frontier, Mukul Goel, said, “It is a matter of great honour that the Tricolour has been hoisted on the highest flag post here. We appreciate the effort of the Punjab government.”

On whether there was any objection to the project from Pakistan, he said no reservations were received from the neighbouring country.

BSF DIG JS Oberoi was also present.