Pune: PCMC Announces Statue Audits in Wake of Malvan Collapse
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 4th September 2024: After the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has also decided to conduct structural audits of every statue within its jurisdiction over the next 15 days. This decision follows the collapse of a large statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajot Fort in Sindhudurg district, Malvan, due to heavy rains. In response, PMC initiated an audit a few days ago, and PCMC has now also opted to undertake this measure.
The work of great legends should be preserved for future generations, and the sacrifices made by these eminent individuals for the country’s freedom and their inspirational history should be remembered. Statues of these great figures have been erected throughout the city, in important squares and government buildings, to ensure that the new generation imbibes their ideas. Currently, there are 39 statues across Pimpri Chinchwad city, including those of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe, and Krantivir Chapekar Bandhu.
Makarand Nikam, City Engineer of PCMC, stated, “The structural audit of the statues will be completed within 15 days. All Executive Engineers of the Civil Department have been instructed to repair any statues if errors are found during the audit.”
Crack Discovered in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Statue
The decision to conduct a structural audit follows recent revelations that a 100-foot Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj statue under construction by the PCMC has developed a crack, as reported by Executive Engineer Devanna Gattuwar. The crack, which occurred during transportation from Delhi, was initially concealed by the contractor. PCMC has issued notices to both the contractor and the consultant for this oversight. The statue, which is 80% complete, will be assembled and finished at the Moshi site under expert supervision. This issue comes amid increased scrutiny following the recent collapse of another statue in Maharashtra.
