Statue Of Unity – World’s Largest Statue
The Statue of Unity is a proposed 182 metres (597 ft) monument of Sardar Patel that will be created directly facing the Narmada Dam, 3.2 km away at the Sadhu Bet, near Bharuch in Gujarat state of India.The Statue of Unity will cost Rs 2500 crore. A consortium of Turner Construction (consultant of Burj Khalifa), Michael Graves and Associates and Meinhardt Group, will supervise the project. It will take 56 months to complete the project, 15 months for planning, 40 months for construction and two months for handing over by the consortium.
The monument will be built on a Public Private Partnership model, with most of the money raised by public contribution. Government of Gujarat alloted Rs 100 crore for monument in the budget for 2012-13.
The Statue of Unity to be built in the memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Sardar Patel), will be the tallest statue in the world. The Iron Man of India, Sardar Patel, is known for his contribution in reuniting India after independence. It was a difficult task to pursue the rulers of 550 independent and divided states to join India; however, it was due to Sardar Patel’s earnest efforts that helped in building today’s India. The statue is a tribute to this great architect of modern and united India. The statue is expected to be the source of inspiration for the upcoming generations and also remind the great works of Sardar Patel.
Location of the Statue of Unity
The statue will be located at Sadhu Bet, an island situated 3 kilometers away from the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is gravity dam built on the river Narmada and is a part of Narmada Valley Project. The height of the statue is 182 metres which makes it the tallest one in the world. It is also one of the largest projects of the country. Tourists have to embark in a boat to reach the statue.
The project plan of the Statue of Unity. A bridge connecting the statue on Sadhu bet to the bank, the memorial and the visitor centre buildings, the memorial garden, a hotel, convention centre, amusement park, research centres and institutes will also constructed.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi had announced this grand project in a press conference in Ahmedabad’s GLS auditorium on the last day before completion of his 9 years as Gujarat chief minister. The statue is going to be built by Turner Construction of US who is reputed for building many famous and giant structures such as Burj Dubai, the Yankee Stadium of New York etc. The project cost is estimated to be Rs. 2500 crore and will be completed in 56 months (approximately three years). Turner will be monitoring project management activities right from pre-design phase, floating of tender documents for engineering, procurement and construction. The consultancy fees of Turner itself will be to the tune of Rs. 61 Crores.
According to the plan it will be double the size of ‘Statue of Liberty’ in the US (the height of the Statue of liberty is 93 meters) and four times higher than the statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’ located in Rio De Janeiro. It has been rising with public corporation through a registered society or trust under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Modi who invited suggestions of the adept across the world. The project is owned by Gujarat government’s sponsored trust, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET).
Other matters of attraction at Statue of Unity
Among other things of attraction, this memorial will have a museum on the life of Sardar Patel and also a research centre. This research centre will promote research on matters such as good governance, agriculture technology and development for the tribal population which were core matters of importance Sardar Patel. There will be the facility of lift for the visitors to go to the top of the constitution and able to enjoy eye catching sight of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Message of the Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity is a symbol of harmony and integrity of the country. This is a way to commemorate the efforts of Sardar Patel which will foster the message of nationalism and unity among the young generation. Sardar Patel was able to make unity among people through his great leadership qualities. Likewise the statue will be able to make strong bonding among the people of India and make feeling of nationalism. It will remind the great history of India and also great patriotic leadership who sacrificed their lives for their motherland.
