A statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata became a cause for concern after its screws came loose, causing it to sway in the wind. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, prompted the Public Works Department (PWD) to rush to the site for repairs.
Statue Instability Raises Safety Concerns
The statue, located in a prominent area of the city, was seen wobbling as strong winds blew. Passersby alerted the authorities, who quickly cordoned off the area to prevent any accidents. The PWD team arrived promptly and began working on securing the structure.
PWD's Swift Action
Officials stated that the screws holding the statue in place had become loose over time, likely due to weather conditions. The PWD team tightened the screws and reinforced the base to ensure the statue remains stable. A spokesperson for the PWD said, "We received a call about the statue's instability and immediately dispatched a team. The repairs were completed within a few hours, and the statue is now safe."
Public Reaction
The incident drew mixed reactions from the public. Some expressed concern over the maintenance of public installations, while others praised the PWD for their quick response. Football fans in Kolkata, known for their love of the sport, were particularly amused by the situation. One fan remarked, "Even Messi's statue couldn't handle the wind in Kolkata!"
Background of the Statue
The Messi statue was installed in Kolkata as a tribute to the football star's global impact. It has been a popular spot for fans and tourists alike. This is not the first time a statue has faced maintenance issues; similar incidents have occurred with other public sculptures in the city.
The PWD has assured that they will conduct regular inspections of all public statues to prevent such incidents in the future. They have also urged the public to report any signs of damage or instability immediately.
