Rust and Structural Weakness Led to shivaji Statue Collapse

An investigative committee has concluded that rust and structural weaknesses were the primary reasons behind the collapse of the Chhatrapati shivaji statue in August. The report, which spans 16 pages, was submitted to the maharashtra government led by Eknath Shinde.

Key Findings
Structural Integrity Issues: The 33-foot tall statue lacked sufficient structural integrity to support its weight.
Corrosion and Defects: Internal corrosion and welding defects were highlighted as significant factors contributing to the failure. The maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) had raised concerns about rust on the statue just days before it fell.
Timing of the Incident: The statue, unveiled by prime minister Narendra Modi at rajkot Fort on december 4 (Navy Day), collapsed on august 26 during strong winds.
Aftermath and Criticism
Following the incident, sculptor Jaydeep Apte was arrested. Opposition parties criticized the Mahayuti government for hastily erecting the statue, leading to poor workmanship. A joint technical committee, comprising structural engineers, experts, and officials from the indian Navy and state government, was formed to investigate the collapse.

The indian Navy had previously noted their involvement in conceptualizing the statue in collaboration with the maharashtra government, which funded the project. They have expressed commitment to assist in repairing and restoring the statue.

New Statue Plans
In response to the collapse, the maharashtra government has issued a tender for the construction of a new 60-foot Chhatrapati shivaji statue in Sindhudurg, nearly double the height of the original.

Cost and Timeline: The project is budgeted at Rs 20 crore with a six-month completion timeline.
Project Scope: The budget includes engineering, installation, and maintenance costs, with a commitment to ensure a more robust structure.
This new initiative reflects the government’s intention to honor Chhatrapati shivaji with a fitting monument while addressing past shortcomings in the statue's construction.
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Subashini

26/09/2024 06:06 PM