The district administration on Sunday issued a ban on the sale of masks themed on the Indian tricolour, asking all police stations to ensure no such trade takes place under their jurisdiction and warning violators of stringent action.

Ahead of Independence Day, roadside vendors have put up shops with locally made masks designed with Indian flag themes at different market places in the capital.

Ranchi’s additional district magistrate (law and order) Akhilesh Singh said that prohibitory orders were issued in harmony with the national flag code.

“Use of masks has been made mandatory due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We have recently come across instances where many are selling tricolour themed masks rampantly to encash on the Independence Day sale. However, after celebrations are over, there is every chance that such masks will be carelessly discarded by people, which will lead to disrespecting the national flag and violation of code,” he said.

He added that all concerned officials and police stations have been asked to keep a tab on market places in their areas by conducting surprise inspections to seize such masks if found anywhere.

“The administration shall take action on both the sellers and buyers of such masks,” he said.

Meanwhile, after the district administration announced to hold the state I-day ceremony at Morabadi ground, Ranchi Municipal Corporation on Sunday sent over a dozen cleanliness staff members to deck up the area.

Workers were found sanitising the main stage and cleaning the vicinity, besides filling the existing potholes with sand.

A supervisor at the venue said that in the next couple of days, they will begin laying bamboo and iron barricades to set up hangers and create a seating arena once they are informed of the number of expected visitors.

Coronavirus warriors and those who have defeated the virus will form part of the invitee list for this year’s I-day, the district administration had announced earlier this week.