Ensure completion national icons' statues by Aug 15: UP tourism minister

Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh directed officials to complete all under-construction statues by August 15, prioritising national icons and great personalities.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh on Tuesday directed officials to ensure that all under-construction statues of national icons and great personalities are completed by August 15 under all circumstances.

The direction was issued while reviewing the progress of statue construction works after the conclusion of a programme organised by the State Museum Directorate on the occasion of International Museum Day, according to an official statement.

During the event, the minister also inaugurated the Western Sculpture Gallery and released the museum's archaeology journal for 2026.

Singh said the rare artefacts preserved in museums symbolise the country's rich culture and historical heritage, and stressed the need to conserve them for future generations.

He directed officials to submit a report on the present status of the statues and issue office orders related to all proposed statues within a week.

He also sought details regarding the number of statues already completed and proposals received from districts for their installation.

Officials informed the meeting that two 12.5-foot equestrian statues of Maharana Pratap and a 12.5-foot statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel have already been completed. Work on a 12.5-foot statue of Prithviraj Chauhan is currently underway.