30.3.13

Shivaji Memorial update


The proposed 312-ft tall memorial of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji will not be standing alone in the sea. Recreation amenities, including a museum, a snack bar and a garden, and ancillary facilities such as a jetty will be required to make the project viable.
While there was consensus on the need to develop recreation and ancillary amenities to make the memorial touristfriendly, state officials pointed that obtaining environmental approval for these “commercial activities” will be difficult.
The plan also includes lifts and staircases to allow tourists a view of the city from the top of the monument. The state will seek suggestions from citizens on the memorial’s design.
On Thursday, CM Prithviraj Chavan, his deputy Ajit Pawar, Mumbai (city) guardian minister Jayant Patil and senior state officials inspected the proposed site — a 16.5 hectare rock islet located about 3.5 km from the western coast along Girguam Chowpatty and 1.5 km away from the Raj Bhavan. It is located in the newly introduced CRZ-IV zone, which covers an area from the low tide line to 12 nautical miles into the sea.
Chavan said 25 different studies will have to be conducted before seeking a nod from the environment ministry. He said a presentation will be made before Union minister Jayanti Natarajan when she visits Mumbai on April 2.
While the ministry usually insists on a detailed project report for permissions, the state will push for an in-principle approval on the basis of the concept plan, officials said.
A debate has ensued on which side the memorial must face. A “revolving statue” concept was discussed after it was pointed out that if it faces Chowpatty or Marine Drive, tourists would not make the trip into the sea. The memorial would also not face the other three sides.

No comments: