Telangana, KCR mark second year with second tallest flag, 15 new districts

On Thursday, Telangana, India’s newest state, marked two years since its creation following years of agitation, with chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announcing new districts in the state among other things.

On Thursday, Telangana, India’s newest state, marked two years since its creation following years of agitation, with chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announcing new districts in the state among other things.

The second tallest tricolour in the country was hoisted in Hyderabad on Thursday to mark the state’s second year since its formation. The country's tallest flag pole stands in Ranchi, Jharkhand. (AFP Photo)

Rao kicked off the state-sponsored celebrations for his third year in office by hoisting the second tallest national flag in the city. The 291-foot tricolour flag measuring 72 by 108 feet was put up at Sanjeevaiah Park, on the banks of the historic Hussain Sagar lake. The flag, which cost Rs 3 crores to make, comes second to the 293 feet tall flag post in Ranchi.

India's second tallest national flag was unfurled in Sanjeevaiah Park, on the banks of Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Following the flag hoisting, a ceremonial parade by state police forces was held at Parade Grounds. The chief minister addressed those gathered, reiterating his commitment to herald a “golden Telangana” in the coming days by achieving all round development of the state and improving the living standards of all sections of people by providing food, water, shelter, health care and a clean environment.

The chief minister listed out several welfare schemes his government had initiated, including the flagship Mission Bhagiratha – providing tap water to every household and Mission Kakatiya – restoring water tanks.

Popularly known by his initials, the CM also announced the creation of 15 new districts by redrawing the boundaries of the existing 10 districts for better administration. The new districts will come into existence from Dasara.

Government buildings and public spaces were decorated to mark the second formation day of Telangana on June 2, 2016. CM K Chandrasekhar Rao announced the formation of 15 new districts from the existing 10 districts by remarking their boundaries for better administration.

Over 60 people from various fields were felicitated for their contribution to Telangana’s culture, literature, heritage, science and technology. He also laid the foundation stone for a Telangana Martyrs’ Memorial at Lumbini Park near the state Secretariat.

All public spaces and government buildings in the city were illuminated on Wednesday evening, while a Telangana food festival was arranged at People’s Plaza on Necklace Road that festoons Hussain Sagar. Several cultural programmes were also organised for Thursday evening.