The Tribune Impact: Admn starts restoring Leisure Valley sculptures, ropes in art college faculty

Two days after The Tribune highlighted the neglect of sculptures in Leisure Valley, the Chandigarh Administration initiated restoration work today to bring these masterpieces back to their former glory.

Public outcry fuelled by the news report brought the damage to the sculptures to light. Realising the cultural significance of these installations, the administration decided to intervene. UT Chief Engineer CB Ojha stated that the repair work had commenced and a thorough inspection was being conducted to determine the appropriate care and maintenance each installation required.

Leisure Valley, a testament to Chandigarh’s vibrant artistic legacy, once boasted installations by celebrated sculptors such as Shiv Singh, Sardari Lal Parasher, HS Kulkarni and Charanjit Singh Matharu. However, the sculptures had fallen into a state of disrepair, caught in a bureaucratic maze without clear ownership or responsibility. The installations were in a state of neglect, with metal rusting away, masonry eroding and chipped murals turning the park into an eyesore. The administration started the restoration work by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the sculptures. The Engineering Department is partnering with Government College of Art for expertise and resources for the intricate work required. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Associate Professor, and Manmadha Rao, Assistant Professor, from Government College of Art, Sector 10, Chandigarh, who specialise in sculpture art will be consulted for restoration process. A teams of experts, including sculptors and engineers, had also been consulted to evaluate the damage.

Artists like Vikram Dhiman, who once feared that these creations were lost to time, now feels a renewed sense of hope. “To see the administration and citizens come together for the sake of art is truly heartwarming,” he shared.

Chief Engineer Ojha explained that the maintenance work primarily involves basic welding, retouching and painting, which will address approximately 90% of the required repairs.