kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Repair work on the Lionel Messi statue in Lake Town has begun under the state Public Works Department (PWD). According to engineers and experts from the department, removing the statue in its current condition without causing damage is extremely risky. As a result, the administration is currently focusing on stabilising and repairing the structure first so that it can be safely handled later. Once stabilised, the statue will be shifted to another location. The repair work began on Tuesday night, and for safety reasons, the area around the statue has been cordoned off using bamboo scaffolding and thick ropes to ensure it does not collapse and cause any accident.

Present, workers are seen placing ladders against the statue and carrying out repair work as the structure continues to sway in the air. Plans are also underway to remove it soon. West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Agnimitra Paul has also reacted to the issue, stating that the statue will be removed. She said, “We will remove the Messi statue. It is swaying in the air and may fall at any time. It has been constructed without permission by occupying government PWD land. I have suggested shifting the statue to another park. The large pedestal constructed there is completely illegal and will be demolished. However, we will ensure that the statue itself is not damaged and is relocated properly to some park or suitable place.”

It is noteworthy that during Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata last December, a 70-foot statue of the Argentine football star was virtually inaugurated, with former Bidhannagar MLA and former fire services minister Sujit Bose also present. The statue was primarily developed under his supervision and initiative. However, within a few months, the condition of the structure has deteriorated significantly, with reports stating that it is now swaying dangerously due to weak stability.

Concerns over safety, the Public Works Department has acted swiftly. On Tuesday night, ropes were tied around the structure and safety measures were put in place. Sculptor Monty Pal was also called for consultation. It has been decided that the statue itself will be removed without causing damage, while the lower pedestal structure may remain for now. However, the final relocation site has not yet been decided. Experts have also observed that the foundation of the statue may not be strong enough, and a proper soil test is likely to be conducted to assess the ground stability.