The vibrant spirit of Raipur's beloved Telibandha Lake is being overshadowed by the visible decay of one of its most iconic landmarks. The grand 'Mor Raipur' installation, a symbol of civic pride, is now a picture of neglect, with its inspirational messages, including a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, fading into obscurity.
A Symbol in Disrepair
Recent observations and photographic evidence reveal an alarming state of disrepair at the site. The large 'Mor Raipur' letters, meant to be a beacon of local identity, now stand against a wall marred by deep cracks and flaking surfaces. The multilingual 'Mera Raipur' plaques, which celebrate the city's linguistic diversity, have lost their golden sheen, their lettering worn out and barely legible.
The most poignant deterioration is seen on the plaque bearing the words of Mahatma Gandhi: "A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people." This central message, intended to anchor the site's cultural meaning, is now cracked, peeling, and in parts, nearly indistinguishable. Dark stains and chipped cement further obscure the Father of the Nation's wisdom.
Public Outcry and Civic Responsibility
Regular visitors to the lake, popularly known as Marine Drive, express deep disappointment. Nadeem Mansoori, a 25-year-old local, emphasized that the site is the face of the state capital and deserves respect, especially where Gandhiji's message is concerned. Kakaysah and Payal Sahu, BSc students, noted that proper maintenance would send a positive message to the thousands of visitors, including tourists from other districts, who frequent the picturesque spot.
Urban planners stress that such public art is not merely decorative but a mirror of the city's character. Allowing it to decay, particularly elements carrying cultural and historical weight, is akin to erasing public heritage in plain sight.
Questions Over Maintenance and Commercial Use
The responsibility for the lake's upkeep lies with a private agency under an agreement with the Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC). However, accountability appears blurred. RMC Zone-3 commissioner Preeti Singh stated maintenance is handled privately, but she was not fully aware of the agreement details.
Former Mayor Aijaz Dhebar made serious allegations, claiming the private party is in "blatant violation" of its contract. He stated that while the agency pays about Rs 25 lakh annually to the RMC, it earns a staggering Rs 40–50 lakh per month from commercial activities around the lake, using nearly 50% more space than permitted.
RMC executive engineer Anshul Sharma, who oversaw the project until a few months ago, clarified that the agreement was finalized in the 2018–19 financial year. The annual fee for commercial use was initially Rs 37 lakh, later revised to Rs 42 lakh. He confirmed that maintaining the 'Mor Raipur' installation is the agency's responsibility. Mayor Meenal Choubey mentioned a recent notice was issued to the agency for unauthorized commercial activities in an adjacent garden, with the matter forwarded to Engineer Sharma for examination.
As the lakefront continues to buzz with daily life, the crumbling 'Mor Raipur' structure serves as a silent reminder that a city's identity requires consistent care, not just initial celebration. The fading of Gandhi's words mirrors the gradual erosion of a piece of Raipur's collective cultural memory, prompting urgent calls for restoration from its citizens.
