Maha to invite foreign architects to build Shivaji memorial

Architects from across the globe will be invited by the Maharashtra government to build the statue and memorial site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian sea.
The government has already zeroed in on a 16-acre islet, which is one-and-a-half kms from the Raj Bhawan.
"We would be publishing advertisement through our DGIPR's website calling in architects from across the world to come forward with their expression of interests to build the statue," city guardian minister and state rural development minister Jayant Patil said yesterday.
The draft of the advertisement is ready and within a fortnight it would be published, he said.

After receiving expression of interests from architects, the state government will describe the plan and designing of the memorial to them.
"At present the National Institute of Oceanography has been conducting environmental survey of the site. It would take another 9-10 months for them to finish the survey," Patil said.
The Shivaji memorial will also house a museum showcasing the Maratha warrior's life, Patil said, adding that it will be a best tourist attraction, which will inspire new generation to know about Shivaji Maharaj.
"The memorial will be of international standards. The journey of tourists will remain incomplete if they do not visit the site. It will also be of national importance," he added.