Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse Blamed on Poor Construction and Inadequate Skills
Image Source: Business Insider India
Prime Minister Modi is highly displeased with the collapse of the Shivaji statue, and officials from the Prime Minister’s Office are questioning both the state government and the Navy about the incident.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took responsibility for the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg district on August 26 and asked the Maratha people for forgiveness, as the revered king is his deity. “For me, my colleagues, and everyone, Chhatrapati Shivaji was not just a king; he is deeply respected and worshipped by all. For us, he is our aaradhya dev (revered deity),” the PM stated during the inauguration of Vadhvan Port.
While PM Modi did not build or install the statue at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg, he had inaugurated it on December 4, 2023, on Navy Day. The construction and installation of the 35-foot-tall statue were awarded to the lowest bidder (L-1), approved by architects and planners, funded by the Maharashtra Government, and handed over to the state government by the Western Navy in April 2024. A joint investigation led by a Naval Commodore is currently underway to determine the reasons behind the collapse, which prompted the Prime Minister to apologize.
The incident raises concerns about Indian workmanship and the drawbacks of awarding contracts to the lowest bidder, which is often done to avoid scrutiny from auditors and allegations of corruption. The L-1 process has frequently led to compromised quality and delayed projects due to bureaucratic approval procedures designed to protect officials from criticism or punishment. The poor workmanship seen in many infrastructure projects, such as road and bridge collapses, is a result of a culture that tolerates mediocrity in various aspects of life. There is often a lack of due diligence and pride in work at the project’s inception and little to no maintenance once the inauguration is over and the ceremonial elements are removed.
While some may speculate that the Prime Minister’s apology is politically motivated with the Maharashtra elections approaching, it is evident that Modi is genuinely upset, as top officials in the Prime Minister’s Office have been contacting both the Navy and the state government to ensure accountability. PM Modi’s frustration stems from the fact that he inaugurated the statue of the great Maratha leader, a figure he deeply admires, only for it to collapse within nine months. The state government has attributed the statue’s collapse to high-velocity winds, yet the 600-foot statue of Sardar Patel in Kewadiya, Gujarat, stands firm due to specialized construction that allows winds to pass through. This incident highlights the importance of proper project planning and skilled workmanship rather than relying on L-1 contractors with inadequate expertise. The collapse reflects a systemic issue within a bureaucracy that prioritizes processes over outcomes, leading to a lack of maintenance and declining quality, evident in public infrastructure across the country.
While political leaders continue to favor mediocrity over merit for votes and social empowerment, there is a need for minimum skill qualifications or certifications for those in construction and trade. The traditional “Ustaad-Chela” (master-apprentice) model is not suitable for a rapidly developing India, as it risks further embarrassing the Prime Minister and the country.
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- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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