Guj CM visits 'Statue of Unity' site ahead of unveiling by PM

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Thursday took stock of ongoing preparations at the site of the 'Statue of Unity' at Kevadiya in Narmada district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to unveil the world's tallest statue at 182 metres, dedicated to the country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on October 31.

It is being built on Sadhu Bet island near the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel also accompanied Rupani, stated an official release.

Meanwhile, Patel refuted media reports suggesting that the prime minister would board a sea plane to reach the site to unveil the statue on October 31.

"The PM is not coming to Kevadiya in a sea plane," he told PTI.

After the visit, Rupani held a high-level meeting at Kevadiya with government officials on the ongoing preparations, stated the release.

During the meeting, Rupani told officials to stay prepared to handle a huge rush of visitors after unveiling the statue due to upcoming Diwali vacation, it said.

Apart from the statue, the administration is working on setting up many other "world class" attractions near it, such as the 'valley of flower', which is spread across 230 hectares, and a tent city near the statue.

Rupani instructed the officials to lit up the statue as well as other attractions, including the dam, with lighting, it said.

Meanwhile, state Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said in Ahmedabad that the BJP would take out "Ekta Yatra" ahead of October 31 as a tribute to Sardar Patel to spread awareness about his contribution in uniting the country.

The Yatra would be taken out in two phases during which it will cover 10,000 villages, said the minister.

The chief minister would flag off the first 'Ekta Yatra' chariot Friday at Bardoli town in south Gujarat, he added.