Eco-Conscious Patriotism - Say No To Plastic Flags

January and August are the two months that witness extraordinary patriotic fervour. It is common to find the Tricolour flying high everywhere. However, once January 26 and August 15 come to an end, the same Tricolour that was looked upon by us with respect and pride just the previous day is forsaken on the streets. Most of us just lament the sight of the abandoned flags, but do not bother to do anything about it. Namrata Gulati Sapra highlights that Shruti Dadhich was determined to take the initiative to give a new life to the national flag that will not just keep reminding us of our duty towards the country, but also do good to the environment.

- Namrata Gulati Sapra

The use of plastic flags has always been a bone of contention in India and the States as well as the center have expressed their stance over it repeatedly. Before events of national prominences, such as the Republic Day or the Independence Day, the Centre almost always makes it a point to issue advisories to Indian citizens to steer clear of buying plastic flags, and ensures that the message is sent out, loud and clear, to the states and the union territories as well.

As per the provision of the Flag Code of India, 2002, flags that are made of paper are to be used by the public. Furthermore, it also forbids the public from discarding these on the ground. Another law that is worth noting is Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which states that ‘Whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise shows disrespect to or brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written, or by acts) the Indian National Flag or any part thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.’

Despite the advisories put out by the government, plastic flags have been used incessantly. While aware of the fact that unlike paper, plastic is nonbiodegradable, will not decompose for a longer period of time, and adds to environment woes—people still purchase flags made of plastic, even after the ban of single-use plastic. Ironically, not many are even aware of the fact that the plastic flags are a violation of the Flag Code.