The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel located in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is the tallest statue in the world, standing at 182 meters (597 feet) tall. The statue was built to honor Sardar Patel's contributions to the unification of India and his legacy as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India.
History
The idea of building a statue in honor of Sardar Patel was first proposed in 2010 by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, who is now the Prime Minister of India. The statue was designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar and was constructed by engineering firm Larsen & Toubro.
Design and Construction
The statue was designed to resemble Sardar Patel's physique, with his signature dhoti and shawl. The statue is made up of 1,700 metric tons of bronze, 1,850 metric tons of steel, and 6,500 metric tons of concrete. It took 56 months to build the statue, with more than 3,000 workers involved in the construction process.
Benefits
The Statue of Unity has become a major tourist attraction in India, with thousands of visitors coming to see it every day. The statue has also brought economic benefits to the surrounding area, with the construction of new hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities. It has also helped to promote tourism in Gujarat and India as a whole.
Specialty and Features
The statue is not only a tribute to Sardar Patel but also an engineering marvel. It has several features that make it unique, such as the viewing gallery located at a height of 153 meters (502 feet) offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The statue also has a museum dedicated to the life and achievements of Sardar Patel.
Tourism
The Statue of Unity has become a major tourist attraction, with more than 50 lakh (5 million) visitors since its inauguration in 2018. The site has several tourist facilities, including a memorial garden, a laser light and sound show, a river rafting facility, and a butterfly park.
Employment
The construction of the Statue of Unity has also generated employment opportunities for people in the region. More than 3,000 workers were involved in the construction process, providing jobs and livelihoods for local people. The statue has also led to the development of new industries, such as tourism and hospitality, which have created additional employment opportunities. However, there have been concerns about the working conditions and wages of the workers involved in the construction process. It is important to ensure that employment opportunities are created in a sustainable and equitable manner, without exploiting workers or damaging the environment.
Harsh Reality
The construction of the Statue of Unity has been the subject of criticism, primarily due to its high cost and environmental impact. The statue cost approximately Rs. 2,989 crore (US$ 400 million) to build, which some argue was an unnecessary expense. Additionally, the construction of the statue required the displacement of thousands of tribal people from their homes, which has been a source of controversy.
Environmental Effects
The construction of the statue and its surrounding facilities has had a significant environmental impact, with the destruction of forests and the displacement of wildlife. The construction of the statue also required the diversion of the Narmada river, which has had negative impacts on the ecosystem of the region.
Economic Impact
While the Statue of Unity has brought economic benefits to the surrounding area, its overall economic impact is debatable. The statue has been criticized for diverting funds away from other important projects and for its high maintenance costs.
Maintenance Cost
The maintenance cost of the statue is approximately Rs. 83 crore (US$ 11 million) per year, which some argue is too high. The government has defended the cost, stating that the statue generates revenue through tourism and that it is an investment in the long-term development of the region.
Earnings per year
The Statue of Unity generates revenue through tourism, with an estimated earning of Rs. 82 crore (US$ 11 million) per year. It is expected to become a major source of revenue for the region and the country as a whole.
Covering the Expenses Spent to Build It
The cost of building the Statue of Unity has been a point of controversy, with some arguing that the funds could have been better used for other purposes. It is estimated that it will take approximately 45 years for the statue to generate enough revenue to cover the expenses spent on its construction.
Criticism
The construction of the statue has faced criticism from various quarters, with some arguing that it is a waste of public funds and that the money could have been better spent on improving infrastructure or social welfare programs. The displacement of tribal people from their homes has also been a source of controversy.
Conclusion
The Statue of Unity is an impressive engineering feat and a testament to the legacy of Sardar Patel. However, its construction has come at a high cost, both in financial terms and in terms of its impact on the environment and local communities. While it has brought economic benefits to the region, it is important to consider its long-term sustainability and the trade-offs involved in building such monuments.