Decks cleared for Ambedkar memorial

Mumbai: After a delay of nearly five years, the decks have finally been cleared for the transfer of a prime property in Mira Road to the Maharashtra government’s social justice and special assistance department for constructing a memorial dedicated to the life and contribution of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Bearing a price tag of Rs 33 crore, the three-storeyed memorial will come up on a plot admeasuring 3,800 sq.mt, falling under the revenue limits of Ghodbunder village in the Hatkesh area of Kashimira. The memorial will serve as a multipurpose entity, including as a vipasana (meditation) centre.

“Apart from an auditorium where his life and work of will be shown, the bu-ilding will have an  area for exhibition, mini-theatre, halls for prayers and conferences,” said Sena legislator Pratap Sarnaik, who had been following up on the issue for the past five years.