Cracks in Nalwadi's statue exposes official negligence

Mayor, MCC commissioner inspect structure

 The life-size statue of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in the heart of the city has developed cracks, triggering concern. So, a team of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) officials, led by Mayor B L Bhyrappa, including MCC Commissioner C G Betsurmth, on Monday, inspected the statue.

Mayor told media, later, the statue made of white marble stone had developed cracks at the head portion, besides a part of the sword, owing to lack of adequate care during soaring heat witnessed in city in the recent past. “Moreover, garlands often offered by organisations on many occasions as a mark of respect, have also caused the damage, as flowers are left to wither on the statue. There are chances of colours released from flowers, causing blot at places,” he said.

Sculptor Arun Yogi, who was part of the inspection team, said, if adequate measures were taken to restore the statue, it would last for another couple of years.

According to locals, the statue installed at KR Circle, named after the late ruler, experiences huge traffic density throughout the day. The soot produced from the smoke emitted from vehicles settle on the statue, that stands neglected without any maintenance.

A few years ago, the statue of Chamaraja Wadiyar X (father of Nalwadi), installed at the circle named after the late ruler, opposite the north gate of Amba Vilas Palace, was also damaged with a part of its sword broken. Following this, a security guard had been deputed to guard the statue to prevent any miscreant from damaging it.

However, in general, both the statues remain neglected with the authorities concerned pulling up their socks only when damages recur, alleged another citizen.