Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: Centre Forms Joint Panel Headed By Indian Navy To Investigate Damage

The Centre has announced the formation of a joint technical committee to investigate the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.

This committee, headed by the Indian Navy, will include representatives from the Maharashtra government, and technical experts to probe the damage to the statue.

"A joint technical committee headed by the Indian Navy with representatives from the Maharashtra Govt and technical experts is being formed to investigate the unfortunate damage to the Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj installed at Rajkot Fort, Sindhudurg, subsequent to the exceptional weather conditions in the region," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Thursday (29 August).

The Indian Navy said that it remains committed to assisting in all measures to repair, restore, and reinstate the statue at the earliest.

The statue, a 35-foot tall depiction of revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was unveiled on 4 December 2023, during Navy Day celebrations.

The statue was installed to honour the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's contributions to maritime defence and security.

The Statue was unveiled on 04 Dec 23 as part of the Navy Day celebrations conducted, for the first time, in Sindhudurg, aimed at honouring the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj towards maritime defence and security, and its historical linkage with the modern Indian Navy. The project was conceptualised and steered by the Indian Navy, in coordination with state govt which also provided funding for it.

The project was collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Maharashtra government, with the state government providing funding for its creation.

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