In a report that brings merry to the country, the prestigious Statue of Unity, a colossal statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel has featured in the second annual list of world’s greatest places 2019.
Situated on Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat, the 182-metre steel and bronze Statue of Unity of India’s “Iron Man” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is currently the tallest statue in the world. The statue was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel in 2018.
The statue is divided into five zones of which only three are accessible to the public. From its base to the level of Patel’s shins is the first zone which has three levels and includes an exhibition area, mezzanine and roof. Zone 1 contains a memorial garden and a museum. The second zone reaches up to Patel’s thighs, while the third extends up to the viewing gallery at 153 metres. Zone 4 is the maintenance area while the final zone comprises the head and shoulders of the statue.
The museum in zone 1 catalogues the life of Sardar Patel and his contributions. An adjoining audio-visual gallery provides a 15-minute presentation on Patel and also describes the tribal culture of the state. The concrete towers which form the statue’s legs contain two elevators each. Each lift can carry 26 people at a time to the viewing gallery in just over 30 seconds. The gallery is located at a height of 153 metres (502 ft) and can hold up to 200 people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed happiness that Statue of Unity has got a spot in the TIME 100 greatest places 2019 list. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, a few days back, a record 34 thousand people visited the site in a single day and it is emerging as a popular tourist spot.
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