Cheetah Camp Residents reclaim dignity of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam statue in Mumbai

The statue at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Chowk in Cheetah Camp is shrouded in dust and darkness. Pics/By Special Arrangement

A statue honouring former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in Cheetah Camp, Trombay, which had been poorly maintained, has been finally restored thanks to the efforts of residents and the local MLA.

The installation after restoration by locals

mid-day, on April 4, reported on how the statue had become dirty over the years, as no proper maintenance was carried out by civic authorities. Instead of continuing to wait for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to act, locals had the statue repainted and ensured light fixtures were installed. The residents are now trying to get a grill installed around the statue to prevent it from being defiled.

A worker restores the memorial

Local Speak

Asif Sayyed, Social activist and Cheetah Camp resident

It felt like Dr Kalam was being disrespected. The BMC said MHADA installed the statue, but responsibilities had not been transferred to the civic body. Seeing my online posts, a local MLA contacted me and restoration started a month ago. We cleaned the spot, painted the pillars, and installed lights. I also told those who park cars illegally in front of the statue, not to do so. However, I received threats so we approached the traffic police for a solution. A child said, "I am very happy because last month I told my school friends about the statue. Now more people know about it, so hopefully its beauty will be preserved."