Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has begun searching for alternative locations to relocate the Vivekananda statue, amid rising concerns that it may contribute to flooding in the area. The NMC has enlisted the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) in Pune to conduct a comprehensive study to assess the statue’s impact.
NMC Commissioner and Administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari informed a local English daily that CWPRS is set to perform a hydrological analysis of the dam’s spillway to determine whether the statue is obstructing water flow. The study will also examine the statue’s current location and potential new sites, taking into account factors such as soil conditions, water levels, and the overall feasibility of relocation.
“If the study shows that the statue does not contribute to flooding, it will remain in place,” Chaudhari said. “However, if it is found to be obstructing the river flow, we are also preparing for the possibility of relocating it.”
Potential new sites under consideration include Sakkardara Lake and Krazy Castle, both of which offer scenic views and ample space for the memorial.
Residents affected by recent floods, who have brought the issue to the high court, have made the relocation of the statue their primary demand, along with other flood mitigation measures and compensation claims.
