Washed away on Dec 26, Indira returns

The 18-ft structure, built in two parts by Delhi-based sculptor V K Guru, was supposed to be installed at Indira Point, 51 kms away, on December 26—tsunami day. But then, the killer waves wiped Indira Point off the map. Now, only the lighthouse, which was on the beach, stands tall in the surging waters.

Posted at Car Nicobar air base, IAF pilot Wg Cdr Ashwini Mishra, who was the Task Force Commander for the rescue mission, says: ‘‘We spotted just the upper portion of the face while conducting a recee. The metal cast was stuck deep in slushy waters. It was virtually impossible to lift it and sling it to the chopper.’’

The 50-man rescue operation, obviously, was no cakewalk.

Thirty-seven tonnes of silt, sand and slush had to be removed from the inner cast of the bust before it could be finally lifted by the chopper. ‘‘Everyone had given up hope, but we did it,’’ says Mishra.

Says Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lt Governor Ram Kapse: ‘‘We have been able to bring at least a part of the statue to a safe destination. We plan to install it after the rains. Where it would be installed will be decided soon.’’

The new location is being worked out in conjunction with the Centre, say administration officials.

The statue’s journey started in 1999 after it was ordered on the instructions of Director (Education) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under an art and culture scheme.

But three days before the December 26 installation ceremony, former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao passed away. Then the tsunami lashed the islands and the statue was washed away.

But for the forces, the task is not over yet. With the onset of monsoon, the search for the missing portion continues.