Pyramid to depict Dandi march

A national memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhis Dandi march announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2005 seems to be moving towards taking its final shape. While the main memorial will have a pyramid of light with a salt crystal on top,the pathway will depict the march route through 24 spaces,representing 24 halts,and having visuals of the journey.

The Central Public Works Department,entrusted with the execution of the project,has said that the plan is being finalised by a national design team from IIT-Bombay. A CPWD official said,The challenge is to construct the memorial which will be 70 m high having two stainless steel arms. These arms will be lit by solar panels. The National High Level Dandi Memorial Committee has accepted the project conceptualised by the IIT for implementation as the Dandi Salt Satyagraha Memorial. The IIT has appointed a comprehensive design consultant to prepare complete designs and estimates to facilitate the construction.

The construction of the memorial will be funded by the Culture Ministry. A block estimate of Rs 64.40 crore has been prepared,including Rs 12.34 crore for research and development,and the balance Rs 52.06 crore for construction, added the official.

The PM had announced the project while addressing a function celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Dandi march on April 6,2005.

The memorial will be built over 15 acres opposite Saifee Villa,the house at Dandi,Gujarat,where Mahatma Gandhi stayed on the night of April 5,1930 at the end of his march to protest the imposition of tax on salt.