The collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Malvan, Maharashtra, less than a month ago has prompted the state Public Works Department to take swift action. A new tender has been issued for the construction of a replacement statue, with a focus on ensuring its durability and longevity. The Kankavli division of the PWD has published the tender, with the state sanctioning ₹20 crore for this project.
The New Statue Design
Ajaykumar Sarvagod, the executive engineer of PWD in Kankavli, has emphasized the importance of careful planning and construction for the new statue. The upcoming statue will be modeled after the iconic Statue of Unity in Gujarat, standing at an impressive height of 60 feet. This is a significant increase from the previous statue’s height of 33 feet, highlighting the state’s commitment to honoring the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in a grand and lasting manner.
The winning company will be required to guarantee the statue’s structural integrity for a period of 100 years and also commit to its maintenance for the first ten years. These stringent requirements aim to prevent any future mishaps and ensure that the new statue stands as a symbol of pride and heritage for generations to come.
Timeline and Oversight
The terms and conditions of the tender stipulate that the construction of the new statue must be completed within six months. This ambitious timeline reflects the urgency and importance attached to this project. The original statue, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Navy Day at Sindhudurg, suffered a sudden collapse on August 26, leading to significant embarrassment for both the state and central governments.
In response to the incident, the state established two committees to address the situation. One committee is tasked with investigating the causes of the collapse, while the other, led by Additional Chief Secretary (PWD) Manisha Mhaiskar, is overseeing the creation of the new statue. The latter committee comprises a diverse group of experts, including representatives from the Indian Navy, IIT Mumbai, architectural and historical fields, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed approach to the project.
Committee Findings and Apologies
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Prime Minister Modi and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, publicly apologized for the statue’s collapse, acknowledging the disappointment and frustration it caused. The committee investigating the collapse, headed by Commodore Pawan Dhingra, has conducted thorough field visits and is now in the process of finalizing its report on the incident.
In the aftermath of the collapse, Chief Minister Shinde consulted with various sculptors to gather insights and recommendations for the construction of the new statue. This collaborative approach reflects a commitment to ensuring that the replacement statue is not only structurally sound but also artistically and historically significant.
The state’s proactive response to the statue collapse underscores the importance of preserving and honoring the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. By investing in a new and improved statue, the government is sending a clear message of reverence and respect for one of Maharashtra’s most iconic historical figures.
