Gujarat CM wants 'Statue of Unity' to be national project

Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel on Tuesday held a series of meeting with union ministers and demanded nation project status for the 182-meter high Statue of Unity being built on river Narmada in the state. She also sought Centre's intervention in raising height of Sardar Sarovar Dam and installation of gates on it.

This was Patel's first meeting with the union ministers after being sworn in as Gujarat’s first woman chief minister. Before meeting the minister she also called upon President Pranav Mukherjee. Patel had yesterday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought his intervention in resolving pending issues of the state.

During her meeting with finance minister Arun Jaitley Patel demanded that the 182-meter high statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel -- 'Statue of Unity' to be built on an island on river Narmada be considered as a national project and be given central assistance for speedy completion. She also pointed out the issue of funds to be released on performance basis to Gujarat as per the guidelines of the 13th Finance Commission.

The Gujarat Chief Minister called on union minister for water resources Uma Bharti and sought Centre’s timely intervention in granting permission related to raising of the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam to next stage, that is, construction of spillway piers to full height, bridge and installation of gates at the project site.

While meeting Nitin Gadkari, union minister for road transport and highways, Patel took up the issue on upgradation of state highways including coastal highways to national highways. Gujarat has become the gateway of global business and trade, she said and urged Gadkari to consider the demand of the state government in the national interest.

She further mentioned the delay in completion of Dandi heritage route in Gujarat and requested financial assistance for completion of remaining work on the project. The Gujarat CM also urged to expedite the work of approved project of the extension of Ahmedabad-Vadodara expressway to Mumbai.