T.N. Assembly Elections: Chennai Corporation issues strict guidelines to erect temporary flagpoles

As the elections to the State Assembly are imminent and political parties get ready for campaigns, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for erecting temporary flagpoles across the city.

Based on a government order dated September 16, 2025, and a subsequent directive dated January 20, 2026, the civic body has established 15 zonal-level sub-committees to monitor and approve these installations, according to a press release.

Each sub-committee is chaired by the Zonal Assistant Commissioner and comprises officials from various departments, including the Revenue Department, the Tamil Nadu Police, the Public Works Department, and the Highways Department. Technical representation would be provided by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) and the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) to ensure installations do not interfere with essential utilities, the release stated.

Under the new procedure, any individual, political party, or religious organisation planning to erect temporary flagpoles for events such as conferences, election campaigns, processions, or festivals must apply through the corporation’s website.

Applications must be submitted at least seven days prior to the event, detailing the number of poles, their height, material used, and the specific locations. A rental fee of ₹10 per flagpole has been fixed for each event. Permissions are restricted to a maximum of three days for non-religious events and seven days for religious functions.

The guidelines stipulate that flagpoles must not be erected on the bitumen surface of roads and must be positioned at least three metres from the edge of the carriage way. These structures are restricted to a maximum height of 3.5 metres from ground level and must be buried at least one metre deep.

To prevent electrical hazards, the poles must be made of non-conductive materials or properly insulated, especially when positioned near low or high-tension power lines.

Organisers are to be held solely responsible for any “untoward incident” or accidents caused by the structures and must bear any costs related to criminal liability or compensation for affected individuals.

Furthermore, event organisers are required to restore public infrastructure, such as pavements and storm water drains, to their original condition at their own expense.

The Corporation warned that any unauthorised poles or those not removed immediately after the permitted duration will be cleared by the authorities, with the recovery of costs from the organisers.