Rust, Structural Weakness Key Reasons For Shivaji Statue Collapse: Probe Committee Report

The committee tasked with investigating the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue, which happened in August, has submitted a 16-page report to the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government, concluding that rust and weak frame were the key reasons contributing to the statue’s downfall.

According to the report, the structural integrity of the statue, which stands 33 feet tall, was insufficient to support its weight. Issues such as internal corrosion and defects in the welding were also identified as the main factors in the incident.

The Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) had previously raised concerns about rust accumulating on the statue and suggested permanent measures in a letter sent to a Naval official just six days before the structure collapsed.

The statue, a tribute to the founder of the 17th-century Maratha empire, was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district on December 4 (Navy Day) last year, but it fell on August 26 during strong winds.

Following the incident, sculptor Jaydeep Apte was arrested. Opposition parties have also slammed the Mahayuti government, alleging that the decision to erect the statue in Sindhudurg was made hastily, which resulted in poor quality of work.

A joint technical committee comprising experts, structural engineers, and officials from the Indian Navy and the state government was formed to investigate the collapse of the statue.

In a statement, the Indian Navy had noted that the statue was conceptualised and guided by them in coordination with the Maharashtra government, which provided funding for the project. “The Indian Navy remains committed to assisting in all measures to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest,” the statement read.

Govt Issues Tender For New 60-Foot Shivaji Statue

On Wednesday, the Maharashtra government issued a tender for the construction of a new 60-foot-tall Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in Sindhudurg, nearly twice the size of the previous one.

The statue will be constructed at a cost of Rs 20 crore, and the government has set a six-month timeline for its completion, according to officials from the Public Works Department (PWD).

“The total cost would now be Rs 20 crore, including its engineering, installation and maintenance. The government has given six months to complete the work. The height of the statue would be 60 feet,” the official stated.

(With inputs from agencies)