By Violet Pereira, Team Mangalorean

Mangalore: Gone are those days when you could buy a Indian flag made of plastic, and just after the Independence Day celebrations are done, you throw those flags on the streets or wherever you fell like disposing them off. Just because you got Independence you can't do whatever you feel like. Not any more! The Government and City officials are cracking down on businesses selling Indian National flags made out of cheap plastic, which don't meet the required standards.

As the Independence Day is nearing, we have been seeing the national flags for sale in most of the shops. It is a booming business these days, where the shop owners are selling  the flags in a large quantities, but they don't see whether the flag is made by plastic or any other material.  They don't care, all they are concerned about is to sell the flags no matter what material has been used to make those flags. Money making business in a greedy way, and in the name of " Independence of India".

Schools, Colleges and various institutions celebrate Independence Day in a grand manner. They hoist the flags in their respective school, colleges and institutions.  It is a good sign that the students respect the national flag. Newly appointed District Minister In-charge C T Ravi has strictly ordered the ban of plastic in the city and keep a strong vigil on the vendors who sell plastic products, which don't match the suitable standards. He has ordered the ban of plastic carry bags and drinking cups below 40 microns, with strict orders to punish whoever is violating the law.

In view of the above, the Mangalore City Corporation Commissioner has issued a notice, to inform the manufacturers, vendors and the users not to manufacture, sell or use the National flag, which is made of plastic in and around Mangalore City corporation limits. Will the shop owners and street vendors will follow the orders is something to be seen to believe it.