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The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced plans to conduct structural audits of over 50 statues across the city. This initiative comes in response to the recent collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Malvan, highlighting the importance of ensuring the structural integrity of public monuments. The statues under review are located in prominent areas like Karve Road, Yerwada, Kasba Peth, Central Peth, Kothrud, Mandai, and Shivajinagar, having been erected with funds from the state government, donations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The building designs department of the PMC has compiled a list of the statues, and the audit work is set to commence on September 1st. Yuvraj Deshmukh, the chief engineer of the building design department, emphasized that the audits are primarily focused on safety and stability. The PMC will implement necessary repairs to ensure the statues remain secure for the public. Notably, this is the first time the PMC has undertaken structural audits of public statues since their installation.
The statues have historically only received maintenance for anniversaries and special events, involving cleaning and painting. After these occasions, there is no routine review or maintenance until the next special event. The PMC’s decision to conduct structural audits represents a shift in approach, prioritizing the long-term preservation and safety of these cultural and historical symbols. Citizen rights activist Jaymala Dhankikar welcomed the audit, highlighting the need to ensure the longevity and safety of the statues, which represent India’s history and pride. He also stressed the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance to uphold the dignity of these public monuments.
Source: Pune civic body to conduct structural audit of 50 statues