State government plans to regulate installing of statues at public places across Chennai

Following complaints pertaining to the installation of statues in public places, the State government is planning to regulate such work at public places in the city.

Senior officials are exploring the feasibility of regulating the installation of statues at public places, since political parties and councillors have been demanding permission to put up statues of their leaders.

The State government and the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Council have installed statues of leaders such as V.P. Singh, pointing to his role in bring about reservation for the weaker sections. Statues of great thinkers, such as Karl Marx, have also been proposed, to inspire the younger generations. However, residents have long complained about the hindrance caused by the presence of these statues and political party flagpoles at public places.

S. Kumararaja of Velachery said functionaries of a political party had been trying to find a suitable location in the locality to install the statue of a leader. “Residents are worried about the statue encroaching upon roads or footpaths,” he added.

T.K. Pandian of Anna Nagar said statues should not be installed in locations prone to traffic congestion.

“But there is no harm in installing statues of leaders who contributed to society. The next generation should know about the leaders. For instance, statues of leaders who shaped great neighbourhoods, such as Anna Nagar, should be installed properly with aesthetics and lighting,” he said.

Egmore councillor Fatima Ahmed Muzaffer said the statue of a leader was installed by a political party on Langs Garden Road but had not been inaugurated owing to litigation. “Some residents may be against the installation of statues on footpaths and roads. In a democracy, leaders are icons of political parties, but statues installed to honour them should not become a nuisance to the public. We cannot avoid it. We have to draft proper guidelines for the size of the statues and at what locations they can be installed,” she said.

Ward 88 councillor G.V. Nagavalli said she was planning to install a statue of Thiruvalluvar at the Padi flyover to stress the need for motivating residents about social justice and human dignity.

Ward 104 councillor T.V. Shemmozhi said they had requested permission to install a statue of Karunanidhi in Anna Nagar for his role in the planned urban development of Chennai.

“The city provides an environment for a more equitable society, providing protection from social evils. His statue will inspire the younger generation,” Mr. Shemmozhi said.

GCC officials said the Revenue Department and the Commissioner of Revenue Administration had issued guidelines for installation of statues in 2019.