Cash-strapped Maharashtra approves Rs 3,600 crore for Shivaji statue in Arabian Sea

From Rs 700 crore to a whopping cost of Rs 3,600 crore – yet, the Maharashtra Government has recently sanctioned the later amount to build the Shivaji Memorial statue in the Arabian Sea. Despite not having adequate funds, the cash-strapped, debt-ridden state government will provide funds for the project from its budget and plans to seek financial assistance from the Centre as well. As per reports, the state government has received all the clearances including environmental clearance for the project. It has already floated tenders for the project and aims to complete its first phase by 2019. While the total area proposed is 15.96 hectare, the state government aims to soon decide on the area that needs to be reclaimed in the first phase – seven hectare or 15 hectare. Egis is the appointed consultant for the project and its design will now be implemented. Around four committees have been set up to improve upon the design. The first phase of the project will involve reclamation, construction of the boundary wall, statue, pedestal, public facilities, the Bhavani temple, jetty at the memorial and security arrangements. The pedestal will house a library, art gallery, museum and the memorial administrative office. In the second phase, an amphitheatre to seat 5,002,000 people will be constructed, where in 3D and 4D view, the important events in the life of Shivaji will be displayed.