Shivaji statue update

The government has zeroed in on an 18-acre islet, four km into the sea from Marine Drive and a km from Raj Bhavan, for the proposed 309-ft statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the Arabian Sea, said a senior Mantralaya official associated with the project.
“A team of experts was asked to suggest an ideal location. After conducting feasibility survey of three sites, the experts have drawn a conclusion that the islet would be ideal,” the official said, adding, “The state environment department has initiated the paperwork to obtain clearances from the Union ministry of environment and forest. However, guardian minister of the island city Jayant Patil (NCP) wants CM Prithviraj Chavan and deputy CM Ajit Pawar to visit the site before forwarding the papers to the Centre and making an announcement.”
“Experts are of the opinion that the rock will not need any reclamation, thus making it easier for the government. Also, during low-tide, the water level near the rock is at a comfortable height and will not cause a problem for movement of boats,” the official added.
About the cost, the official said, “In 2009, the cost was pegged at Rs 350 crore. With the delay, the cost is likely to escalate. Also, it will vary depending on the statue design that the government approves.”
Last year, the CM had written a letter to the union environment department seeking an in-principle approval for the project as it will have to clear the coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) norms.
In its 2004 election manifesto, the ruling DF had promised to build an iconic statue. In 2008, the Congress-NCP alliance took a decision to install the statue in the Arabian Sea. But, the memorial ran into several hurdles, including opposition from environmentalists and a section of politicians.
Aware that delaying the project might hurt the sentiments of several in the state, especially the Maratha community (a strong vote-bank of Congress and NCP), The DF government last December, during the winter assembly session held in Nagpur, appointed a one-man committee to speed up the project. Senior NCP minister Jayant Patil was appointed as the head of the committee and was asked to submit a detailed report within two months. Subsequently, last month, Patil visited three sites and asked the experts study them.