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Leaking roof at Statue of Unity leaves tourists drenched

Leaking roof at Statue of Unity leaves tourists drenched

By Siddhant Pandey
Jun 30, 2019
05:20 pm
What's the story

After having faced much criticism over the Rs. 3,000cr splurge, the controversial Statue of Unity in Gujarat has drawn the public's ire yet again. Recently, tourists at the Statue of Unity were left displeased with rainwater pouring inside the viewing gallery, dripping off the ceiling, allowing puddles of water to accumulate on the floor. Can you feel the global tourism flourishing yet?

Statue

Statue of Unity offers 'spectacular view' of Sardar Sarovar Dam

The Statue of Unity is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brainchild, announced in 2010. The 182m tall structure, situated at Kevadiya in Narmada district, is the tallest of its kind and honors the memory of freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It was unveiled last year on Patel's 143rd birth anniversary. A viewing gallery, located at 152m, offers a "spectacular view" of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Tourists' dismay

Tourists disappointed after 'unfortunate' incident

Given the hype surrounding the Statue of Unity, many expected great things from the monument, however, were left disappointed amid heavy rains experienced by Narmada district since Friday. "We'd come with great hopes to see the world's tallest statue," a tourist told PTI. "It hasn't rained heavily, and already the main hall and viewing gallery of the statue is filled with water. It's unfortunate."

Twitter Post

Tourists also shared videos from the scene on social media

Response

Viewing gallery, located at statue's chest, open by design. What?

Although many tourists alleged the presence of cracks, officials denied them. The official Twitter handle of the Statue of Unity tweeted, "The rainwater has been blown by high-velocity winds inside the viewing gallery." "It's by design that it has to be kept open for a better view which tourists can enjoy. Water accumulation is being promptly tackled by the maintenance team," it added.

Twitter Post

Here is the tweet

Quote

Rainwater entering gallery is "natural": Chief administrator of statue

Meanwhile, Narmada Collector IK Patel, chief administrator for the statue, said, "Viewing gallery is open with grills on the statue's chest. The rear side of the gallery is covered by glass," adding that water entering the gallery is "natural" by design. Patel added that there's a channel to dispose of rainwater, but with high-speeds, a house-keeping personnel is needed to drain rainwater continuously. Wow!