Ambedkar statue at Smriti Vanam to undergo restoration after paint fades

Vijayawada: Faded patches have appeared on the 125-ft Dr BR Ambedkar statue at Ambedkar Smriti Vanam, prompting the department of culture to initiate restoration and maintenance works across the memorial complex.Officials attributed the discolouration to prolonged exposure to sunlight and rain, as well as a lightning strike, which caused the paint to fade in a few places on the statue.Speaking to TOI, R Mallikarjuna Rao, director and CEO, department of culture, said officials recently inspected the site and directed the contractor to take up the required works.“The colour has faded in some areas over time. We have instructed the contractor to carry out the necessary restoration.

The statue will be repainted, and the maintenance works will be taken up soon,” he said.Apart from the faded patches on the statue, dried ornamental plants and patches of withered greenery were also visible at several locations across the memorial during a visit by TOI. Rao said these would also be attended to as part of the maintenance exercise.He said the upkeep would be carried out in phases, with pending civil and maintenance works being completed before repainting of the statue.

According to the official, this is the first major maintenance exercise since the memorial was opened to the public.Officials said maintenance expenditure is being met through revenue generated from ticket collections and other sources at the memorial. Authorities are also expecting an increase in visitor footfall with the upcoming food plaza and convention centre, making regular maintenance of the landmark a priority.Built at a cost of around ₹404 crore, the Ambedkar Smriti Vanam was inaugurated in Jan 2024. The complex houses the 125-ft Statue of Social Justice, along with a museum, a convention centre, and other visitor facilities, and has emerged as one of Vijayawada’s major tourist attractions.