Declare the Old High School and Circus grounds free entry for visitors, and MCK should maintain the parks to uphold the national pride and patriotism
KARIMNAGAR, JULY 20, 2026: Once a proud symbol of patriotism and national pride, the towering 150-ft flagpole, the Telangana state’s second-tallest monumental flagpole, at the sprawling Government Old High School grounds in the heart of Karimnagar town, now stands bare as its Tricolour has been missing for several weeks.
Installed with much fanfare in the month of February 2019, the flagpole was envisioned as a landmark to instil nationalism and attract tourists. The Municipal Corporation of Karimnagar has spent a whopping sum of Rs 76 lakhs on the project, and the national flag fluttered proudly atop the structure.
However, the pole has remained mostly flagless, with as many as 36 flags either torn or blown away due to extreme weather conditions. It was a matter of pride to see the flag from a distance. It stood tall among the towering buildings of the town, but it is appalling to see that the MCK has failed to put up the flag. The one fluttering earlier was shredded.
The national flag to be hoisted on the flag post would not be lowered even at sunset, as it would be illuminated. Ironically, when the flag was fluttering, the illumination was also not seen at the flag pole during the nighttime. Despite repeated appeals from residents to use wind-resistant fabric to withstand the elements, no concrete action has been taken.
Lok Satta Udyama Samstha leaders alleged that the MCK was showing more interest in making money by encroaching and leasing out the Old High School grounds and Circus Grounds to private parties, who were fleecing the people of the town with exorbitant entry fees. Incidentally, the Telangana state’s second-tallest flagpole is located on the premises of the Old High School grounds, they stated and flayed the MCK authorities for not taking any measures to hoist the national flag on the flag post.
How can MCK lease out the government premises where the tallest national flag post is installed?, the Lok Satta leaders questioned and demanded that the government to declare the parks as free entry to respect the national pride, as it houses the National flag. Everyone has the right to witness the fluttering of the national flag free of cost, they reminded.
Ironically, the BJP, which talks about patriotism and national pride, has attained the Mayor post of the MCK, but is not taking any measures to hoist the Tricolour on the tallest flag post in Karimnagar.
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