Madikeri: The toppling of a statue of General Thimmayya near the site of a K.S.R.T.C bus accident has reignited debates about the safety of placing statues in the middle of roads. The incident follows a 1973 decision by the Madikeri Municipality to avoid middle-road statues due to road safety challenges caused by excessive foliage.
Notable figures like Field Marshal Kariappa and Appayya Gowda of Gudemane have statues positioned farther from roads in adherence to the past policy. However, recent permission by the municipal corporation to place statues in the middle of roads has correlated with accidents.
Local intellectuals advocate for relocating these statues along the main road to honor historical significance without compromising safety. Traffic experts and community engagement are being considered to find alternative locations that ensure both safety and tribute.
The debate underscores the need for a balanced solution that respects history and prioritizes public safety, shaping the future of Madikeri’s landscape.
