Site shift for Shivaji statue

The government had finalised the blueprint on the eve of the Assembly elections but Thanksy Thekkekara,principal secretary in charge off the project,now says the BSNL wires under the chosen spot cannot be disturbed.

“We are in the process of signing a contract with the architectural firm whose model was approved last year,” Thekkekara said,adding construction would start once final cost estimates are made. The selected design is by Mumbai-based Team One Architects with Bensley Design Studio,a Bangkok-based resort and landscape architecture company.

The monument is expected to accommodate 10,000 visitors and will also house an auditorium,concert hall,amphitheatre,museums,garden,revolving restaurant and a viewing gallery that can carry up to 80 people to the pinnacle.

A committee of historians and technical experts is set to fine-tune the concept plan. “Once the requirements are frozen,we will submit a detailed drawing after which tenders will be called,” said Parish Kapse of Team One Architects. The firm will do hydrographical and geotechnical surveys and prepare reports while seeking Navy and Environment Ministry clearance.