The Kolkata Public Works Department dismantled a massive statue of footballer Lionel Messi in May 2024 [3].
The removal highlights the tension between ambitious public art projects and the rigorous safety standards required for large-scale urban installations. Because the structure was located in a residential area, any failure could have resulted in significant casualties.
The monument was situated in the Lake Town neighbourhood of Kolkata, India [4]. Authorities ordered the demolition after the structure was observed swaying during strong winds [5]. Local residents had previously raised safety concerns regarding the stability of the monument [5].
Reports on the exact size of the statue vary. Some sources state the monument stood 70 feet tall [1], while other reports describe it as a 45-foot statue [2].
The structure had a short lifespan in the community. It was inaugurated in December 2023 [4]. The time between its inauguration and its eventual removal was approximately five months [5].
The PWD took over the dismantling process to ensure the site was cleared without further risk to the public. The decision followed a determination that the structure was unsafe for continued public display [1].
“The structure was observed swaying in strong winds”
The rapid removal of the Messi monument underscores the risks associated with rapid construction of non-engineered landmarks. When a structure is dismantled only five months after its unveiling, it suggests a failure in the initial site assessment or material quality, serving as a cautionary example for other cities attempting to build oversized celebrity tributes in densely populated urban zones.
