Fact Check: Has The Statue Of Unity Actually Developed Cracks?

A recent social media post claimed that cracks had begun to appear on the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, sparking concern that the structure could collapse at any moment. The post, written in Hindi and shared on the platform X (formerly Twitter), was posted on September 8 by the handle “RaGa4India” at 9.52 am. It alleged that the statue “can fall anytime as cracks have started appearing on it”. The post also included an old photograph from the statue’s construction period.

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However, the post was later deleted, and the authorities acted swiftly. The police registered a case against an unidentified individual under section 353 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). This section deals with making, publishing, or circulating any false statement, rumour, or report that may cause fear or alarm to the public. The complaint was lodged by Abhishek Ranjan Sinha, Deputy Collector of Unit-1, Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority. According to the FIR, the false claim was an attempt to create panic and disturb public peace.

The Statue of Unity, which stands 182 metres tall, is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2018 and has since become a major tourist attraction, drawing a large number of visitors.

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A Symbol Of Pride And Unity

Despite the concern stirred by the social media post, the statue has remained a symbol of pride and unity for the country. There is no evidence to support the claim that the statue is in any danger. The use of an old photo from the construction phase further discredited the post’s authenticity.

The statue, located in Kevadia in Gujarat’s Narmada district, continues to attract thousands of tourists every year. Since its opening, it has become a popular landmark, known not just for its impressive height but also for its engineering marvel. The heavy footfall of tourists attests to the structure’s enduring appeal.

False claims, especially about public structures, can create unnecessary panic. The swift action by authorities in registering the case shows their commitment to maintaining public order and addressing the spread of fake news. The deletion of the post suggests that the user may have realised the gravity of the situation or was compelled to take it down.

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As for the Statue of Unity, it remains solid and continues to stand tall, undeterred by baseless rumours.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

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