Messi’s Lake Town statue to be finally removed amid growing safety concerns

The giant Lionel Messi-inspired statue at the Lake Town crossing in Kolkata is being removed after concerns emerged over the stability of the structure. Residents alleged that the statue had recently started swaying during windy conditions, raising fears of a possible accident because of its location beside a busy road. On Tuesday night, authorities began preparations for its removal while barricades and temporary safety measures were put in place around the area.

According to local residents, the soil beneath the structure had reportedly loosened, causing instability in the installation. Many claimed the statue often appeared to shake and alleged that proper safety measures were not followed during construction. Concerns intensified after the structure was reportedly seen swaying even in mild winds on Monday. Later, some screws in the main frame were found loose and were repaired by workers from the Public Works Department.

Following the safety concerns, the Public Works Department tied the 44-foot-tall statue with thick nylon ropes as a temporary precautionary measure. Barricades were placed on the road behind the structure, while the open ground in front was fenced with bamboo barriers. Authorities are expected to conduct a technical inspection before taking a final decision regarding whether the structure will be relocated or dismantled completely.

Officials reportedly believe removing the structure without damaging it will be technically challenging. If relocation is attempted, a large crane may be required for the operation. The area surrounding the statue remains densely crowded with continuous traffic movement and a nearby subway, creating logistical concerns regarding safe transportation and removal of the installation.

The controversy surrounding the statue emerged shortly after the demolition of the structure near Yuva Bharati Stadium. Questions were also raised regarding whether the Messi and Diego Maradona statues in Lake Town had been constructed on government land without proper approvals or no-objection certificates from the Public Works Department. The matter had earlier reached the Calcutta High Court, where the Chief Justice’s bench reportedly sought reports from Dum Dum Municipality and the state government regarding the legality of the installations.