Construction of 52-Ft Tall Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Start Next Week
52-foot statue Nagpur | Nagpur university statue: The grandeur of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha King, will soon take monumental form in the heart of Nagpur. With the Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) receiving the final approval to proceed, the construction of a towering 52-foot statue is set to commence next week. This magnificent tribute will depict the Maratha King seated on a throne, embodying his strength, vision, and leadership.
A Year in the Making: Groundbreaking to Now
In June last year, the Nagpur University campus witnessed a grand groundbreaking ceremony attended by key political figures, including Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. The original plan was to unveil the statue a year from the ceremony, but due to delays in securing necessary approvals, the timeline was extended.
Clearance for Tree Removal: The Final Hurdle (52-foot statue Nagpur)
According to Mangesh Duke, Secretary of Shiv Smarak Samiti, the NGO spearheading the project, one of the last major approvals needed was for the removal of four trees from the construction site. “We recently secured the clearance and are set to deposit Rs 1.93 lakh with the NMC to move forward with the work,” Duke shared. The Samiti had been cautious to only proceed after all necessary permissions were obtained to avoid any further delays.
Design and Dimensions: A Monumental Vision
The statue, towering at 52 feet, will feature Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj seated regally on a throne. Of this total height, the statue of the King alone will be around 40 feet. This design has been approved by the government, with strict adherence to safety norms, especially in light of recent incidents in other construction projects.
Earthquake-Resistant and Safe Design
Safety is paramount in a project of this scale. Gaurav Dubewar, principal designer from M/s Team 360 Designs, highlighted that the statue would weigh approximately 10 tonnes—comparable in height to a ground plus four-story building. The team has ensured the statue will be earthquake-resistant, an essential feature given the region’s seismic activity.
Load-Bearing Capacity Tested
The load-bearing capacity of the soil was a crucial factor in determining the materials used for construction. “In terms of weight, 10 tonnes isn’t particularly heavy. For context, a typical five-story building weighs more,” Dubewar added. This level of detailed planning ensures the stability and longevity of the structure.
A Lengthy Approval Process
The Shiv Smarak Samiti has undergone a meticulous approval process to ensure that every aspect of the project, from design to execution, adheres to stringent regulations. In addition to structural approvals, the project received the nod from the State’s Directorate of Arts. This approval was essential for finalizing the facial features of the statue, a process currently underway in Kolhapur.
The Role of the State’s Directorate of Arts
The involvement of the State’s Directorate of Arts ensures that the statue’s aesthetics stay true to historical records and artistic traditions. The facial features, clothing details, and overall design were approved after careful review, ensuring an accurate representation of the Maratha King.
Timeline for Completion
Once construction begins next week, the project is expected to take approximately nine months to complete. While there have been delays, the team is confident in their ability to meet the new deadlines, barring any unforeseen challenges.
Why the Delay?
The Samiti’s decision to wait for all approvals (52-foot statue Nagpur) before moving forward was deliberate. They wanted to avoid any potential setbacks, which could have occurred if they had started construction without securing all necessary permissions. Their patience ensures that the project will proceed smoothly from here on out.
The Symbolism Behind the Statue
This statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj represents more than just a tribute to a historical figure; it stands as a symbol of strength, leadership, and pride for the people of Maharashtra. The Maratha King is revered for his military strategies, administrative skills, and his dedication to Swarajya (self-rule). This statue will be a constant reminder of his contributions to Indian history and his enduring legacy.
What the Statue Represents
The decision to have the King seated on a throne is deliberate—it reflects his status as a ruler who brought unity and strength to the Maratha Empire. The regal posture symbolizes his role not just as a warrior but as a wise leader who cared deeply for his people.
A Cultural Landmark for Nagpur
Upon completion, the statue will not only be a symbol of pride for Maharashtra but also a major cultural landmark for Nagpur. Expected to attract visitors from across the state and beyond, it will be a significant addition to the city’s cultural landscape.
Tourism and Local Economy
The statue is anticipated to become a popular tourist attraction, bringing in visitors from all over India. This will, in turn, have a positive impact on the local economy, boosting tourism-related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.
The construction of the 52-foot tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a monumental project that carries immense cultural and historical significance. Set to begin next week, the statue will be a towering symbol of the Maratha King’s enduring legacy. With all necessary approvals now secured, the project is set to move forward, bringing to life a tribute that has been long-awaited by the people of Maharashtra.
- What is the height of the statue? The statue will stand 52 feet tall, with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj depicted seated on a throne.
- When will the construction of the statue begin? Construction is set to begin next week, following the final approval for tree removal.
- How long will it take to complete the statue? The project is expected to be completed in approximately nine months.
- Where is the statue being constructed? The statue is being constructed on the Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University campus.
- What safety measures are being taken during construction? The statue is designed to be earthquake-resistant, and all safety norms are being strictly followed.
