Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently addressed the media to clarify details surrounding the unfortunate collapse of a 35-foot statue of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district. This statue, a symbol of pride and heritage, was unveiled with great fanfare by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Navy Day celebrations in December of the previous year. However, its sudden collapse on Monday afternoon has triggered widespread concern, leading to inquiries and sparking a political debate.
Fadnavis made it clear that the Indian Navy, rather than the state government, was the primary body responsible for overseeing the construction of the statue. He pointed out that the construction process might have involved significant oversights, particularly in terms of accounting for the harsh local environmental conditions. Factors such as high wind speeds, the quality of iron used in the statue, and its exposure to the corrosive oceanic atmosphere may have contributed to the statue's deterioration and eventual collapse. Fadnavis expressed his disappointment over the incident but remained resolute, assuring the public that the state government is committed to erecting an even more imposing statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the same location, underscoring the government’s dedication to preserving and honoring the legacy of the revered Maratha king.
In response to criticism from opposition parties, Fadnavis condemned their attempts to politicize the incident. He acknowledged the emotional impact of the statue's collapse, describing it as a deeply painful event. However, he criticized the opposition's approach, labeling it as distasteful and shallow. Fadnavis urged all parties to refrain from using the incident for political gain, emphasizing that the issue is one of national pride and heritage, and should not be trivialized by partisan politics.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy has launched its own investigation into the incident. A specialized team of experts has been dispatched to the site to conduct a thorough examination of the circumstances that led to the collapse. The Navy clarified that, while it had been responsible for the statue’s construction and installation, it had done so in collaboration with the state government, following a formal tender process that adhered to all necessary standards. The Navy also confirmed that after the construction was completed, maintenance responsibilities were transferred to the state government.
The Navy has pledged to oversee the restoration of the statue following the completion of its investigation. This commitment reflects a broader effort to ensure that such an incident does not occur again and to restore the dignity of the memorial to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The incident has also prompted a response from Maharashtra’s Public Works Department (PWD). Minister Ravindra Chavan disclosed that PWD officials had previously identified signs of rust on the statue and had formally communicated their concerns to the Navy through a letter. This raises questions about the maintenance practices and the adequacy of the responses to early warning signs of deterioration.
In a further development, local police have registered a case against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil, who were involved in the statue's construction. This legal action underscores the seriousness with which the incident is being treated and highlights the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable. The investigation will aim to uncover whether negligence or substandard practices contributed to the collapse, and it will be crucial in determining the next steps in both the legal and restoration processes. The commitment to rebuilding the statue not only aims to rectify the damage done but also to renew the symbol of Maratha pride with greater resilience and respect for the historical and environmental factors involved.
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