PM Modi to unveil Statue of Unity on Oct 31: Preparation on for inauguration of Sardar Patel memorial in Gujarat - Pics

Preparations have already begun for the October 31 mega event, which is expected to see participation from several states. The state government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that inauguration of the statue is a huge success. Senior ministers and bureaucrats have been asked to travel to different states to personally invite CMs and governors to the inauguration of Statue of Unity, and to also visit the statue. 

(Photo: ANI)

The Statue of Unity is slated to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The foundation stone of the monument, a dream project of Modi, was laid on October 31, 2013, coinciding with the 138th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the 'Iron Man of India'.

Chief Secretary JN Singh said that Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has written to chief ministers of all states urging them for setting up guest houses at its site. The state government would provide 2,000-2,500 sq metre land to states for building the guest houses. “Sardar Patel worked to integrate the country. The Statue of Unity is a fitting monument to pay tribute to him. The aim behind requesting other states to set up guest houses near the statue is to showcase a symbol of united India,” Singh said.

(Photo: statueofunity.in)

At 182-metre, the 'Statue of Unity' will be the world's tallest statue, according to the project's website. A viewing gallery at around 500-feet will provide visitors a spectacular view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam and its environs, the website said.

(Photo: statueofunity.in)

The iconic 182 meter tall statue is being built at the Sadhu-Bet Island, approximately 3.5kms south of Sardar Sarovar Dam at Kevadia in Narmada district of Gujarat. 

(Photo: statueofunity.in)

The state government is planning to boost tourism throught the statue. The project will also house an audio-visual gallery, a laser light and sound show on the life of Patel and a virtual tour of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, among other things. The 'Statue of Unity' will provide visitors a meaningful experience that both educates and entertains, by focusing on Patel's personage, life, and accomplishments.

(Photo: statueofunity.in)

The memorial is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, credited with integrating 562 princely states with the Union of India. Patel, a Congress leader, has become a revered figure for the BJP which has sought to project an ideological connect between its espousal of nationalism and his efforts to integrate hundreds of states and regions into India following Independence.

(Photo: ANI)

Around 3,500 workers and 250 engineers are working at the site to get the statue. According to the project website, Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) was been awarded a contract for "Design, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning and Post Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance for 15 years of the Statue of Unity Project." Sophisticated state of art technologies like Light Detection and Ranging Technology and Telescopic logging to assess rock joint are adopted. 

(Photo: AFP)