Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar has recently unveiled an ambitious proposal to erect a towering statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian Sea, following the collapse of an existing statue in Sindhudurg. The incident has highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures in public monuments, prompting Kesarkar to propose a new landmark that could transform the region into a major tourist destination.
On Monday, the 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which had been installed just eight months ago, collapsed. The statue was originally erected by the Indian Navy to commemorate Navy Day and had been praised for its symbolic value. However, the statue's downfall has led to widespread concern and legal action.
Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar, who visited the site at Sindhudurg Fort, addressed the incident with a mixture of regret and forward-looking optimism. "This is an accident. This statue was erected by the Navy. It was Navy Day, Prime Minister was about to come here, so it was done swiftly at that time and everyone praised it," Kesarkar explained. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the collapse but also saw an opportunity for a grander project.
Kesarkar proposed the idea of constructing a monumental statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian Sea, akin to the Statue of Liberty. He believes that a tall and iconic statue would not only serve as a tribute to the Maratha king but also attract tourists from across India. "I think there is an opportunity, a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was being built in the Arabian Sea. If a similar, very tall statue is built here, it will be an attraction for the entire India," he stated.
The collapse of the original statue has led to an FIR against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil. The Sindhudurg Police have charged them under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), reflecting the gravity of the situation. The Navy has pledged to investigate the cause of the collapse and work on restoring the statue, with a team already deployed to address the damage.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributed the incident to damage caused by strong winds, estimating speeds of around 45 km/h. He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to ensure the statue is reinstalled. ?The incident that happened is unfortunate. This statue was erected by the Navy. They had also designed it. But due to strong winds, it fell and got damaged,? Shinde said.
Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavan, who visited the site shortly after the incident, emphasized that a comprehensive investigation would be carried out under the Chief Minister?s orders. The Indian Navy has expressed its commitment to support state authorities in the investigation and restoration efforts.
