Mumbai Diary (March 25, 2013)
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Shivaji statue in Mumbai's Arabian Sea                      by  Uravasi Maharshia

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Shivaji statue in Mumbai's Arabian Sea   On March 21, 2013 the Maharashtra government announced first time after eight years the process of erecting a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the sea off Marine Drive has been revived. The state government on Thursday announced a high-powered committee to facilitate the process of obtaining NOCs for the 309-ft statue. The Shivaji statue will be built on a 18-acre rock in the Arabian Sea, nearly 4.5km from the Marine Drive seashore.       The project first found a mention in the joint manifesto announced by the Congress-NCP in 2004. In 2008, a consultant was appointed when the government shortlisted the design of a consortium of Team One architects and Bangkok-based Bensley Design Studio following a competition. But that was soon called off due to technical glitches. "The state has already allotted land for the Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mill. It is about time the government fulfils it promise for erecting this statue," said a senior Maratha leader.

The location for installing statute of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian Sea has been finalised. The proposed 309 feet grand memorial will come up on an 18-acre island four km into the sea from Marine Drive and one kilometer from the Raj Bhavan, said a senior Mantralaya official. According to the plans, the Shivaji memorial will house an open-air theatre, a library and a museum showcasing the Maratha warrior's life.    According to the plans the grand memorial of Shivaji will house an open air theatre, a library and a museum showcasing the life of the Maratha warrior. Acceding to an official, "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."   Shivaji statue   Though there are several statues of the revered Maratha king, this huge statue surrounded by a garden and with a museum, will be unique and aims at making it a landmark in the country's financial capital. The statue will depict Chhatrapati Shivaji mounted on a horse, like other statues of the warrior dotting the city.         The international airport, museum and its historic rail terminus, originally the Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, named after the Maratha warrior king Shivaji. Shivaji establish the Maratha empire in the Sahyadri mountain range in the 17th century, already has statues dedicated to him at the historic Gateway of India, the international airport and the suburban Juhu seafront.

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