Yamunanagar Civic Body Installs 10.25-Foot Shaheed Bhagat Singh Statue at Chowk

Earlier Statue Replaced After Falling Short of Tender Specifications; Mayor’s Recommendation Led to Withholding of Agency’s Payment

The Municipal Corporation of Yamunanagar has installed a new statue of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, measuring approximately 10 feet and 3 inches, at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk after the height of the earlier statue was found to be significantly below the specification laid down in the tender. The replacement followed objections raised by councillors during a House meeting, with demands for the statue to be changed and action to be taken against the agency responsible for installing it.

Acting on the recommendation of Mayor Suman Bahmani, Municipal Commissioner Mahabir Prasad withheld the agency’s payment and directed it to provide a statue of the prescribed height. The corporation has now installed the replacement statue, bringing the installation in line with the height specified in the tender.

The civic body said the new statue would enhance the appearance of the chowk and strengthen the public tribute to the revolutionary freedom fighter. The commissioner also reiterated that quality standards and prescribed specifications would be followed in municipal development projects.

Earlier Statue Did Not Meet Tender Specifications

The renovation of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk had been decided upon around two years ago. MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora laid the foundation stone for the renovation project on January 9, 2025. Following the decision, the old statue was removed and a structure was prepared to accommodate a new one.

Under the tender conditions, the statue was required to be 10 feet and 3 inches tall. However, the agency initially installed a statue measuring only 5 feet and 11 inches. The difference between the stipulated and installed heights prompted councillors to raise the issue during a municipal House meeting.

The councillors demanded that the undersized statue be replaced and that action be taken against the agency for failing to meet the tender requirements. The matter was subsequently addressed by the municipal administration.

Following Mayor Suman Bahmani’s recommendation, Commissioner Mahabir Prasad withheld the agency’s payment and instructed it to arrange a new statue conforming to the prescribed height. The replacement has now been installed at the chowk.

Mayor’s Recommendation Leads to Action

The episode highlighted the role of elected representatives and the municipal administration in raising and addressing concerns over the execution of public works. The demand to replace the statue emerged after councillors pointed out that the original installation did not match the specifications approved under the tender.

The decision to withhold payment was intended to ensure that the agency completed the work according to the stated requirements. The corporation directed the agency to provide a statue of the specified height rather than accept the earlier installation, which measured 5 feet and 11 inches.

With the new statue now in place, the municipal body has said that the chowk’s appearance will improve. The installation also addresses the concern raised by councillors regarding the size of the statue at a location dedicated to the memory of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Commissioner Stresses Quality in Development Works

Municipal Commissioner Mahabir Prasad said the new statue had been installed at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk after the agency was instructed to ensure the prescribed height. He stressed that the corporation would not compromise on the quality of development works carried out in the city.

According to the commissioner, the municipal administration is working to ensure that projects are completed in accordance with the approved standards and specifications. The replacement of the statue followed the corporation’s insistence that the tender conditions be met.

The administration’s position is that public works must comply with the standards set out at the time of awarding contracts. The commissioner said the corporation would continue to focus on quality and proper execution across the city’s development projects.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh Symbolises National Pride: Mayor

Mayor Suman Bahmani said Shaheed Bhagat Singh represents the honour, dignity and self-respect of the nation. She said ensuring that his statue was installed according to the prescribed specifications had been a priority.

With the new statue, measuring approximately 10 feet and 3 inches, now installed at the chowk, the civic body expects the site to gain greater prominence. The mayor said the new installation would enhance the appearance of the chowk and reinforce the sense of respect associated with the revolutionary freedom fighter.

Bahmani also underlined the corporation’s commitment to maintaining quality and ensuring compliance with prescribed conditions in development projects. The replacement, she said, was important because a public tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh should reflect the dignity and respect associated with his legacy.

Inauguration to Follow

The new statue has been installed at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk following the municipal corporation’s intervention over the height discrepancy. The civic body has indicated that an inauguration ceremony will be organised soon.

The replacement brings the statue installation closer to the specifications set out in the tender and addresses the objections raised by councillors over the earlier statue. The corporation has reiterated that development work in Yamunanagar must be completed according to the required standards and with due attention to quality.

The installation of the new statue is expected to give the chowk a more prominent appearance while reaffirming the city’s public tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, whose contribution to India’s freedom struggle continues to hold a lasting place in the country’s collective memory.

NEWS NOTE: The Municipal Corporation says the replacement statue has been installed according to the tender’s prescribed height, with quality standards to be maintained in public works.

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