VADODARA: A new statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar will be installed at Race Course Circle at the corner of the GUVNL Crossroads better known as Ambedkar Crossroads. While Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) mulls new installation, activists are concerned about the dignity of the existing statue as a flyover is being constructed over it.
The flyover from Genda Circle to Manisha Crossroads is passing over six crossroads. These include the Ambedkar Circle located at the junction of the R C Dutt Road and Racecourse Circle. Representations were also made by activists to the VMC asking the civic body to ensure that the statue did not lose its prominence.
Sources in VMC said that there were two opinions regarding the statue. Some suggested that the statue should be moved to a different location near the existing place while others suggested that it should be covered with an ornate decorative structure like a ‘chhatri’.
Eventually, the civic body has made up its mind to come up with a new statue with the small replica of a parliament at the corner of the junction itself. Land is available near the government quarters there.
VMC deputy mayor Jivraj Chauhan said that the idol will also be new.
“Architects have already made designs for the project that will come up in a space of around 2,000 square meters. Different artisans have submitted their work and rates for the idol too. The land where the project is being planned was allocated to VMC in 1984. Some minor procedures are pending and will be completed shortly following which work can begin,” said Chauhan.
Chauhan added that the existing statue will be shifted to the Ambedkar Museum coming up near Kalyannagar or any suitable place. “It will be painted and refurbished again,” said Chauhan.
The flyover from Genda Circle to Manisha Crossroads is passing over six crossroads. These include the Ambedkar Circle located at the junction of the R C Dutt Road and Racecourse Circle. Representations were also made by activists to the VMC asking the civic body to ensure that the statue did not lose its prominence.
Sources in VMC said that there were two opinions regarding the statue. Some suggested that the statue should be moved to a different location near the existing place while others suggested that it should be covered with an ornate decorative structure like a ‘chhatri’.
Eventually, the civic body has made up its mind to come up with a new statue with the small replica of a parliament at the corner of the junction itself. Land is available near the government quarters there.
VMC deputy mayor Jivraj Chauhan said that the idol will also be new.
“Architects have already made designs for the project that will come up in a space of around 2,000 square meters. Different artisans have submitted their work and rates for the idol too. The land where the project is being planned was allocated to VMC in 1984. Some minor procedures are pending and will be completed shortly following which work can begin,” said Chauhan.
Chauhan added that the existing statue will be shifted to the Ambedkar Museum coming up near Kalyannagar or any suitable place. “It will be painted and refurbished again,” said Chauhan.
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