Savarkar memorial awaits inauguration

NASHIK, January 27: The renovated memorial of renowned freedom fighter Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar at his birth place, Bhagur, h...

NASHIK, January 27: The renovated memorial of renowned freedom fighter Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar at his birth place, Bhagur, has been closed for visitors, pending its inauguration.

The house where Savarkar was born, had been acquired by the Government in 1993. It was declared a monument and the Archaeological department decided to give it a facelift. The renovation began about six months ago and visitors were not allowed entry.

According to local archaeological officials, the first phase of the renovation has been completed. The walls of the house have been strengthened with iron mesh and concrete, old wooden supports replaced, a museum created and a statue is being ordered. The first phase of the renovation was done at the cost of Rs 20 lakhs. The second phase will be done at the cost of about Rs 2 lakhs.

The house, however, had been closed for visitors for the past six months. Officials say that public could be allowed now as the first phase of the work had been completed, provided itwas formally inaugurated. It is learnt that the appointment of Chief Minister Manohar Joshi was sought for the inauguration, but in view of the election code of conduct for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, he postponed it. Officials point out that entry to the public would now be restored only after the formal inauguration which is likely to be after the Parliamentary polls.