Rumors of Cracks on the Statue of Unity: The Statue of Unity, an 182-meter-tall statue, one of India’s most famous monuments, has recently been at the center of a controversy. A social media post claimed that cracks had appeared on the statue, sparking widespread concern and debate. However, officials and experts are now saying that these claims are not true.
FIR Registered on Social Media Rumors of Cracks on the Statue of Unity
The controversy began when a social media X platform handle named “RaGa4India” user posted a picture showing cracks on the Statue of Unity, located in Gujarat. The picture quickly went viral, leading to heated discussions and fears about the statue’s condition. Many people were worried about the safety and maintenance of the world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
To prevent the spread of misinformation, an FIR (First Information Report) was registered under section 353 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) against the person who posted the image. Officials stated that spreading fake news could lead to unnecessary panic and confusion among the public.
Authorities Deny Claims of Cracks
In response to the viral post, the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority conducted a detailed inspection of the Statue of Unity. They confirmed that the image showing cracks was fake and that the statue was in perfect condition. The team assured the public that there were no structural issues or cracks on the statue.
The officials emphasized that the Statue of Unity is made of high-quality materials designed to withstand various weather conditions. They also mentioned that regular maintenance and inspections are carried out to ensure the statue’s longevity and safety.
Fact Check
Several fact-checking agencies, such as OneIndia, have debunked the viral image as misleading. They pointed out that the image was digitally altered to create panic and grab attention. Experts also explained that the surface of the statue might sometimes appear uneven due to shadows or light reflections, but it does not mean there are cracks.
While social media can be a powerful tool for sharing information, it is also essential to verify facts before believing or sharing them. The recent incident involving the Statue of Unity highlights the importance of not spreading unverified information, especially when it concerns national monuments or public safety.
Statue of Unity:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kevadia, Narmada District, Gujarat, India |
| Dedicated To | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India |
| Inauguration Date | October 31, 2018 |
| Height | 182 meters (597 feet) |
| Height with Base | 240 meters (790 feet) |
| Designer | Ram V. Sutar, an Indian sculptor |
| Material Used | Bronze cladding on the exterior, reinforced concrete, and steel framework inside |
| Cost of Construction | Approximately INR 2,989 crore (around USD 422 million) |
| Constructed By | Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a major Indian engineering and construction company |
| Time Taken for Construction | About 42 months (October 2013 – October 2018) |
| Significance | Represents Sardar Patel’s role in unifying India and is a symbol of national unity |
| Visitor Facilities | Museum, exhibition hall, viewing gallery at 153 meters, audio-visual gallery, and a sound and light show |
| Viewing Gallery Height | 153 meters (502 feet) |
| Visitor Capacity at Gallery | Up to 200 people at a time |
| Annual Visitor Count | Over 2.8 million (as per recent data) |
| Nearby Attractions | Sardar Sarovar Dam, Valley of Flowers, Jungle Safari, Cactus Garden |
| Accessibility | Accessible by road, rail, and air; the nearest airport is Vadodara, about 90 km away |
| Environmental Features | Solar energy panels and water management systems |
| World Record | The tallest statue in the world |
FAQs About the Statue of Unity Incident
- Are there cracks on the Statue of Unity?
No, there are no cracks on the Statue of Unity. Authorities have confirmed that the viral image showing cracks was fake. - What action was taken by Authorities?
An FIR was registered against the person who posted the fake image to prevent the spread of misinformation and create unnecessary panic. - Is the Statue of Unity safe?
Yes, the Statue of Unity is completely safe. Regular maintenance checks are conducted to ensure its stability and safety. - What is the Statue of Unity made of?
The statue is made of high-quality bronze and reinforced concrete, designed to withstand various weather conditions.
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