A massive 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata’s Lake Town is set to be relocated after residents raised concerns about the structure’s stability during strong winds.
Preparatory work for the relocation began on Monday, with authorities deploying cranes and engineering teams to safely dismantle and move the giant installation. The statue, which was unveiled around five months ago, had become a major attraction for football fans and visitors in the city.
According to reports, residents living near the VIP Road stretch complained that the towering structure appeared to sway during periods of high wind. Following an assessment, the Public Works Department (PWD) decided that the statue should be shifted to a safer location to avoid any potential risks.
Officials have planned a carefully coordinated operation involving heavy-duty cables and a 40-tonne crane. Workers will first secure the structure before gradually removing parts of its iron support framework and lifting the statue for transportation.
The move comes as Kolkata prepares for the monsoon season, when stronger winds and adverse weather conditions could pose additional challenges. Authorities believe relocating the statue is the most practical solution to ensure public safety.
While the new location for the statue has not yet been announced, officials are expected to identify a suitable site before the relocation process is completed.
The giant tribute to Messi quickly became a landmark in Kolkata, reflecting the city’s deep passion for football. Despite its popularity, safety considerations have now taken priority, leading to the decision to move the structure.
