KMC makes civic panel's nod mandatory for all new statue approvals across Kolkata

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has implemented a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the installation of statues and sculptures across the city. As per the SOP, a civic committee must now examine all new statue proposals before they are approved. This includes evaluating whether the proposed installation could obstruct pedestrian movement, especially on footpaths that range from 1 to 4 meters in width, and whether any underground utility lines would be affected.

Between 2013 and 2024, a total of 189 statues and sculptures were installed in different parts of Kolkata. KMC sources stated that until now, there was no structured mechanism to monitor statue installations, including the accuracy of representation, height guidelines, or location criteria. The new SOP addresses these gaps by setting clear standards for reviewing and approving each statue proposal.

According to the guidelines, applicants must submit several documents: a location sketch indicating the exact placement of the statue, the name and brief biography of the person to be commemorated, the name of the sculptor, materials to be used, funding details for both construction and maintenance, and a formal undertaking for long-term upkeep of the statue or sculpture.

Once the proposal is submitted, KMC engineers will conduct an on-site inspection to determine feasibility. Their report will include the measurement of the footpath and assess whether the statue could hinder pedestrian access. The inspection report will be placed before a review committee chaired by the Mayor-in-Council (Parks and Squares), and will also include the Additional Municipal Commissioner and chief engineers from five departments within KMC.

Mayor Firhad Hakim stated, “We have approved a standard operating procedure which will be followed once an application for a new statue is received. A committee will examine the proposal. No one can install a statue at their own whim.” KMC confirmed that only after committee approval can any statue be installed in public spaces under its jurisdiction.