‘Complete Balasaheb Thackeray memorial project immediately’

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Work on the memorial of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray is underway at Priyadarshini Garden in the MGM vicinity. Mayor Sameer Rajurkar and deputy mayor Rajendra Janjal have directed the administration to expedite the project, assuring that additional funds would be provided if required.

The project to develop the memorial and garden across 17 acres in the MGM area commenced in 2017. Notably, ₹38 crore has already been spent on the project. However, work on the statue of the Shiv Sena founder remains incomplete. A clay model for the proposed 51-foot-tall statue was prepared and presented before a selection committee. The statue is to be cast in bronze and is being executed by Sarmad Creations, a firm based in Dhule.

The mayor and deputy mayor instructed officials to prioritise completion of the statue. Given its considerable height, they emphasised the need to assess wind direction and seek expert opinion before installation. Subsequent works, including the proposed art gallery, should follow thereafter, they said.

An amount of ₹7 crore from the state government is still awaited for the project. The mayor expressed hope that the pending funds would suffice to complete the remaining works. If further financial support is required, it would be considered, he added, directing officials not to halt work for want of funds. He expressed confidence that all works would gather pace in the coming days. Acting city engineer Sanjay Kombde, garden superintendent Vijay Patil, deputy engineer Pooja Bhoge, corporators Shivaji Dandge and Ganesh Navandar were present on the occasion.

Garden section works completed

Around 6,000 indigenous trees have been planted in the memorial campus, and 4,000 square metres of lawn has been developed. Flowing water within the garden has been conserved, while a 2,000-square-metre farm pond has been created. A walking track has also been laid around the area. Besides, surplus water wasted while filling tankers from the Cidco N-5 tank is being diverted for use within the garden.