Hindustan Times (East UP)

Now regular repair, upkeep of murals, artworks at Prayagraj crossings

- K Sandeep Kumar ksandeep.kumar@livehindus­tan.com

PRAYAGRAJ : The Prayagraj Developmen­t Authority (PDA) has initiated efforts for repair and maintenanc­e of murals, sculptures and other artworks put in place at 59 prominent road junctions in Sangam city during run-up to Kumbh-2019.

PDA has begun a hunt for an agency which would not only ensure repairs if any and upkeep of these art creations but also undertake their periodic maintenanc­e for the next five years between January 2021 and January 2026, say officials.

“The PDA has invited expression of interest (EoI) and the last date for its submission is December 30. The aim is to enhance and maintain the aesthetic value of all the 59 junction/places, including Rishi Bharadwaj statue, on major roads in Prayagraj thereby contributi­ng to the beautifica­tion strategy of the city,” said Subodh Kumar Rai, chief engineer, PDA.

They would also need to undertake structural or leakage repair that is needed and also maintain the focus lights (electricit­y fitments) and SS railings around the junctions with rotary and podium with modern, innovative and contempora­ry methods, he added.

In run-up to Kumbh-2019, Prayagraj was given a facelift. A new airport terminal came up just a few days before the start of the mega religious fair. As part of it, murals had come up on the walls along the streets, on the pillars of flyovers and bridges and even on tree trunks across the city, depicting events from the Ramayana and Mahabharat­a with a pet theme for these murals—and there are many renditions being “Amritmanth­an” or the churning of the sea by both demons and angels. Also at every main crossing, big statues and some art installati­ons were erected.

 ?? HT PHOTO ?? An artwork at one of the junctions in Prayagraj.
HT PHOTO An artwork at one of the junctions in Prayagraj.

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