Will be no dearth of funds for Shivaji memorial: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Stating that the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial is the symbol of Maharashtra’s pride, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that there would be no shortage of funds for the proposed monument. The state government would strongly support the construction of memorial, he said.

Speaking in the state Legislative Council on Wednesday, the CM said, “There are some issues which are beyond politics. The memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji is one such. Just as you cannot determine the value of your mother’s affection, you cannot analyse the cost, benefits of the memorial for Shivaji Maharaj. Once made, it will become the identity of our state.” He also added, “The state government will ensure that there will no dearth of funds at any stage of the project.”

The issue over the memorial cost was raised by senior Shiv Sena legislator Neelam Gorhe, who said that the high court had a few days ago warned to stall the memorial work if the Mazgaon court building was not repaired. She asked the state government to make its stand clear on the issue.

Opposition members said that though the process for setting up of memorial in the Arabian Sea has been on the burner for several years, the work has not been started yet.

Replying to him, the CM said all the 12 clearances required for the memorial have been granted. “We are planning to carry out bhumipoojan of the project in May. It should be carried out on a low tide day as invitees had to be taken to the spot in the deep sea. Once the work starts, the memorial will be completed in 40 months.”

The design of the memorial is a unique one. It consists of an elevator in the sword to take people up in the memorial. Due to lack of response, the tenders for appointing project management consultant for the memorial had to be invited thrice, he added.

The state government has already announced that the Shivaji Maharaj memorial in the Arabian Sea will be completed by 2019. It will be the tallest statue in the world and will be constructed on an island, which is spread at 42 acres.

The state government is also planning to make five entry- ferry services points to visit this location from Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Navi Mumbai, Versova and Sewri.