Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SR)

Panaji, Jun 25: Statue of Jardim de Sereia or ‘Mermaid Garden’, that was vandalized earlier this year was restored by renowned sculptor Sachin Madge.

The original statue that was made of white cement and concrete was carved by famous sculptor Vishnu Mahadev Cuncolkar in the mid-1950’s. The Mermaid Garden is located in the heart of the city, wedged between the Mandovi riverfront road and Panaji Residency and is frequented by tourists, casino workers and locals.

In January this year, the arm of the statue was found to be broken and miscreants who vandalized the statue are yet to be identified. The fountain in which the statue is placed was chipped off from both the sides and that too has been restored.

MLA Sidharth Kuncalienker along with heritage activist Sanjeev Sardesai had visited Mermaid Garden in April to take stock of the situation. As per a TOI report, after inspection the MLA said, "Across the world, public squares are identified with amazing pieces of art and sculpture. Panaji is privileged to have the ‘Mermaid Garden'. We need to respect works of art such as the mermaid statue."