Mumbai: India's commercial capital would soon boast the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th century Maratha warrior - which would be taller than the Statue of Liberty. At a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan cleared the project and on Wednesday the miniature scaled down model of the statue was unveiled.
To be located 1.5 kms off the Marine Drive into the Arabian Sea -- it would have the Malabar Hill on one side and the Nariman Point, which has skyscrapers all across, on the other side. The Democratic Front government has approved the design of Team-One Architect of Mumbai and Bensley Design Studios of Thailand for the memorial.
International standard designs were invited. Of the 11 designs received, decision was taken to give cash award to three best designs. Under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Board of Assessors recommended five best designs to Chief Minister. Budgetary allocation of Rs.50 crore has been made for the memorial and Rs.300 crore will be allocated in five-year. The memorial should be of the international standard like the Statue of Liberty at New York, hence the height of the memorial will be 309 feet. The memorial will have statue of Shivaji Maharaj on horse. It will have museum dedicated to life of Shivaji Maharaj, appeals made by Shivaji Maharaj in written, canteen, garden and other facilities. The memorial also will have half an hour lightening show based on life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, an amphitheater with capacity of 200 viewers. The Tourism Department will look after the maintenance.
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