‘Shivaji statue after 2014 polls’

Lack of response from global architects could result in the proposed International monument to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian Sea being delayed. The state government had sought a Request for Proposal (RFP) of designs from all over the world, but a technical glitch on the website has made it inaccessible, which could also possibly be a reason for the lack of response, claimed a senior PWD official. However, guardian minister Jayant Patil was confident that they will stay in power after the next elections and has said that the foundation will be laid after the 2014 Assembly elections. While speaking to reporters at Mantralaya on Friday on the Raja Shivaji monument, Mr Patil said, “National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has chosen to work out the environmental study of the proposed monument’s surrounding area. They will study the environmental changes in sea in all three seasons. It has to take precaution that the existing environmental balance is not disturbed while constructing the monument.” He added, “NEERI will complete the study and submit the report to the state government within a year. The state could get an interim report within six months. Meanwhile, other processes, like calling of RFP from architects, scrutinising and short listing proposals, granting approval to designs and issuing a global bid to construct the monument would be proceeded with.” An official from the state’s information and technology department said on the condition of anonymity, “The basic version of the website is ready and the guardian minister has approved it. When we get the proposal from ‘Mahaonline’ on behalf of the PWD, the website will be launched within 15 days. After that, the PWD can call for proposals globally.” Rajesh Agrawal, principal secretary of the department, agreed with the procedure. Mr Patil stated that they would remain in power after the Assembly elections. “So it is not necessary for the ruling party to make the monument issue a political and election agenda. We will defintely complete it,” he said. The state has already zeroed in on a 16-acre island for this monument, which is one-and-a-half km from Raj Bhavan.