Bengaluru’s historic Queen Victoria statue, located at Queen’s Circle in Cubbon Park, has suffered damage as its crown was dislodged under unclear circumstances. The incident has raised concerns among heritage conservationists and local authorities.
The statue, unveiled on February 5, 1906 by George Frederick Ernest Albert, holds historical significance in the city. The damage came to light after the Heritage Beku group flagged the issue, highlighting the missing crown.
Unclear Circumstances Surrounding the Damage
Priya Chetty Rajagopal, a representative of Heritage Beku, stated that the crown “appears to have been removed, not fallen naturally.” The Karnataka Horticulture Department later retrieved the broken pieces and began immediate repair work. Senior officials, including BBMP engineers and horticulture authorities, are now involved in addressing the issue.
However, Bengaluru Central Division DCP Shekhar H Tekkanavar suggested an alternative explanation, noting the crown might have fallen due to someone attempting to garland the statue. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to determine the exact cause of the damage.
Extended Park Timings Announced for Bengaluru
In related news, Bengaluru residents received positive updates regarding park timings. The state government has announced that all BBMP-maintained parks will now remain open from 5am to 10pm.
Previously, the timings were restricted to two slots: 5am–10am and 1.30pm–8pm. The decision, announced by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, follows years of public demand for extended hours to make parks more accessible.
“To make our garden city more inclusive, all BBMP parks will now be open from 5am to 10pm. I urge responsible citizens to cooperate with BBMP to maintain our parks,” said Shivakumar.
While BBMP parks will adopt the new schedule, Bengaluru’s iconic Cubbon Park and Lalbagh, managed by the state horticulture department, will continue operating as per their existing timings.
Residents have welcomed the move, seeing it as a step towards making the city’s green spaces more accommodating for working individuals and fitness enthusiasts.
