Sindhudurg

The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Fort Rajkot, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, collapsed, raising concerns about its condition. The Public Works Department (PWD) had warned the Indian Navy’s Area Coastal Security Officer, Commander Abhishek Karbhari, about the statue’s deteriorating state. The warning letter from August 20, highlighted rusting and corrosion issues due to the monsoon and salty sea air, which had made the statue unsightly and criticized by locals and tourists.

The 13th direct descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Yuvraj Chhatrapati, had previously raised concerns about the statue’s design and the hasty installation for a December 4, 2023 unveiling by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sculptor Jaydeep Apte, who completed the statue in just six months, had performed repairs in June, but quality issues persisted.

The statue, a 28-foot bronze figure on a 10-foot pedestal, faced damage from high winds, salt-laden air, and wear and tear. Sindhudurg Collector Kishor Tawade said the situation will be investigated, and decisions on repairs will follow.

The Navy has begun investigating and planning repairs. The Maharashtra government is facing criticism from opposition parties and leaders, with calls for a scientifically rebuilt statue. NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) have criticized the government’s handling of the project, while Yuvraj Chhatrapati has urged careful reconstruction to avoid further issues.