Malvan, June 16, 2025 — Barely weeks after the grand unveiling of the towering Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, the project has run into controversy. A significant section of land adjacent to the newly constructed pedestal has reportedly subsided, forming a large crater that has sparked concerns about the construction’s quality and safety. While the statue itself remains unaffected for now, the structural integrity of the surrounding area is under serious scrutiny.
The incident came to light after a video of the crater went viral on social media, prompting swift action from local authorities. What was envisioned as a proud symbol of Maharashtra’s heritage has now turned into a subject of public and political debate, as the quality of materials and oversight during the construction are being questioned.
Inaugurated just last month by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the 83-foot bronze statue sits atop a 10-foot pedestal, making it one of the tallest tributes to the legendary Maratha king in the Konkan region. The statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, was touted as an engineering marvel designed to withstand coastal weather and cyclonic winds. It features a DUPLEX stainless steel internal structure reinforced with SS 316 grade rods and is composed of a bronze alloy containing 88% copper, 4% zinc, and 8% tin.
This new monument was constructed to replace a previous 40-foot statue that collapsed on August 26, 2024—an event attributed to poor construction and corrosion. That collapse had already shaken public confidence, and now, this fresh case of land subsidence threatens to repeat history.
Officials on site have attempted to calm public fears, stating that a full inspection is currently underway and that the statue itself is in no immediate danger. However, the damage to public trust may be harder to repair. Citizens and activists are demanding answers—how could a newly completed, high-profile project show signs of foundational failure so quickly?
The opposition has also seized the moment to question the Maharashtra government’s infrastructure priorities and transparency. While grand visuals and political fanfare marked the statue’s unveiling, critics argue that attention to critical groundwork may have been overlooked in the rush to inaugurate.
As engineers evaluate the extent of the damage, calls for a thorough technical audit and public disclosure of the construction report have grown louder. For now, the statue of Shivaji Maharaj stands tall—but the foundation beneath it, both literally and figuratively, seems to be slipping.
