RTI shows that no department has any clue on the Rs 350-crore plan
Just before the October Assembly elections, the state government had announced its proposal to build a statue of Shivaji off Mumbai's coast. Five months later, it has done precious little to keep its promise.
This is what replies to queries under the Right to Information (RTI) Act have revealed.
Singer and music composer Vishal Dadlani had, along with lawyers Kiran Desai and Bhavik Mehta, filed six RTI applications with government departments and agencies involved with the construction of the statue.
Dadlani claims he has so far received 22 replies (copies of which are available with MiD DAY) since January.
 |
|
The model of the proposed statue of Shivaji Maharaj. The idea to construct the statue off Mumbai coast near Nariman Point met with stiff opposition since its announcement |
 |
"We received far too many replies to RTI applications passed on from one department to another," said Dadlani.
"The replies either say the department concerned has no clue about the statue or that no document has reached it in that regard."
The 309-foot-tall statue, planned to be erected mid-sea, was estimated to cost Rs 350 crore. It will have the Maratha warrior astride a horse.
Also on the cards are a museum and garden. The idea had met with stiff opposition since its announcement.
Wrong Priorities?
Dadlani and the lawyers plan to take the matter to court and are therefore seeking updates in the matter.
According to Dadlani, the government has more pressing concerns to focus its attention on rather than construct such a statue.
More than 23,000 people have signed a petition against the construction of the statue.
Fake poll promises?
The issue has given the Shiv Sena a stick to beat the government with. "This government is only using Shivaji Maharaj's name to garner votes," alleged party spokesperson Neelam Gorhe.
"The government has no intention of setting up the statue. But before the next election, it will come up with the same proposal to fool voters."
309 Feet
The height of the statue
Rs 350 Cr
The estimated cost of the statue
| The Other Side |
|
"The statue requires too many permissions and clearances to be sought. These are still awaited from the agencies concerned," Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal told MiD DAY.
Bhujbal said he was out of town and would be able to give an update only after consulting his department's officials. |
| Before Election |
|
Prior to the Assembly elections in October last year, the government had announced its plan to construct a statue of Shivaji, about 1 km off the Mumbai coast near Nariman Point. The government had plans to make it a tourist attraction. The statue was touted to be taller than America's Statue of Liberty and would also house a museum. | | 
