Fadnavis Guarantees to Construct a Greater Statue After Collapse of Shivaji Maharaj’s Statue in Sindhudurg
Image credit: India Today
A 35-foot statue of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was introduced at Rajkot Fortification in the Sindhudurg area, collapsed on Monday evening. The statue had been revealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Navy Day in December last year. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the incident, emphasizing that the construction of the statue was supervised by the Indian Navy, not the state government.
Speaking to the media, Fadnavis pointed out that different factors might have contributed to the statue’s collapse. He specified that the people responsible for the statue’s creation and installation may have ignored vital local environmental factors, such as high wind speeds and the corrosive effect of sea winds on the iron. This may have led to the statue becoming more susceptible to rust.
Government’s Reaction and Future Plans
Fadnavis expressed the government’s resolve to construct a greater and more durable statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the same location. He emphasized that the statue’s collapse is a serious incident, but he urged opposition parties not to politicize the matter. He described their criticism as “disagreeable” and “shallow.”
An inquiry into the incident has been launched to determine the exact cause of the collapse. The Deputy Chief Minister also questioned whether the statue’s makers had fully considered all relevant factors during its construction.
Navy’s Explanation and Investigation
The Indian Navy, which was responsible for the statue’s construction, has initiated its own investigation into the collapse. A team of experts has been dispatched to the site to assess the situation. The Navy clarified that the construction and installation were carried out in collaboration with the state government, with the Navy following due process in awarding the contract.
While the initial inspections met the required standards, the Navy stated that maintenance responsibility was later transferred to the state government. Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Ravindra Chavan revealed that PWD officials had previously identified rust on the statue and had informed the Navy about it. The local police have also registered a case against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural engineer Chetan Patil in connection with the incident.
The Navy assured that after the investigation is completed, restoration work on the statue would begin. The objective is to ensure that the new statue is better equipped to withstand the environmental challenges at the site.
In conclusion, the government has pledged to construct a more robust statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, learning from the shortcomings that led to the collapse of the previous one. The incident has sparked a debate, but the focus remains on ensuring that the new statue will honor the legacy of the Maratha ruler in a way that stands the test of time.
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- Sanchita is currently pursuing her master's in journalism and mass communication. She has already completed a PG diploma in journalism and mass communication from Patna Women's College and her graduation from Berhampur University. With a strong desire to become a journalist, she is focused on learning and enhancing her skills to excel in her chosen career.
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