A massive 70-foot statue of football legend Lionel Messi, installed on Kolkata's VIP Road in Lake Town, is set to be relocated after authorities declared it a public safety hazard. The structure, which depicts Messi lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy, was observed visibly swaying during recent windy conditions, sparking complaints from local residents and prompting an urgent inspection by engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD).
Safety Measures and Removal Plan
Officials have announced that the statue will first be secured with heavy-duty cables to prevent any further instability. A 40-tonne crane will then be used to lift the entire structure away in one piece. Temporary nylon rope supports and barricades have already been erected around the site to ensure public safety during the operation.
Relocation Options
Authorities are currently considering alternative locations for the statue, including Eco Park or Rabindra Sarobar. The base height of the installation is likely to be reduced to enhance stability and prevent similar issues in the future. The relocation process is expected to be completed within the next few days, with minimal disruption to traffic and residents in the area.
This decision comes after a thorough assessment of the statue's structural integrity, which revealed that the swaying posed a significant risk to pedestrians and vehicles passing by. The PWD has emphasized that safety remains the top priority, and all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure a smooth and secure removal.
