Row over inauguration of Arch bridge, Rani Kamlapati statue

 

 

 

The row over inauguration of Arch bridge and Rani Kamlapati statue has resulted in resentment between Congress and BJP Corporators. In a bid to regulate traffic problem on the Kamlapati arch bridge, three houses are still becoming a major concerns. The bridge is being built worth Rs 40 crore. Mayor Alok Sharma staged protest over delay in clearing encroachments in approach road of Arch bridge.

BJP corporators have alleged that Congress corporators are deliberately delaying the process and any kind of obstacle coming on the way of approach road must be removed. However, talking to ‘The Hitavada’ Pradeep Monu Saxena, Congress Corporator, has alleged that Mayor Alok Sharma is trying to misguide the public of Bhopal.

The inauguration of the Arch bridge is due and for that Congress corporators are in full support of it. Bhopal Municipal Corporation authorities must decide the date for the inaugural function of the arch bridge.

Reportedly, Mayor Alok Sharma has given ultimatum to authorities that within three days the inauguration of Rani Kamlapati statue and Arch bridge needs to happen officially. The Arch bridge will facilitate smooth traffic flow from Ginnori Park to Kamla Park.

The traffic coming from old city can easily reach Raj Bhavan and Lal Parade ground.

The statue of Rani Kamlapati to be installed on the Arch bridge under construction near Lower Lake. For installing the statue, a platform has been made at the same place months before. After the statue of Raja Bhoj on the Upper Lake in 2011, the aim of establishing Rani Kamlapati now is to imbibe knowledge of pre-Nawab period of Bhopal. The 32-feet tall statue of 17,000 kg has 60 per cent copper, 20 per cent zinc, 10 per cent tin, 5 per cent lead and 5 per cent other metals. Officials claim that cost of Rs 1.96 crore has been incurred on its construction. Statue will be installed at the place where Rani Kamlapati took ‘Jal Samadhi’. Their history will also be recorded here. The renovation of the palace is also being planned in collaboration with ASI. About Rs 15 crore will be spent on restoration of building the Kamlapati Palace. The entire project cost 2.66 crore. A 16-feet diameter platform and grand throne is built inside the Lower Lake to support the statue. Mayor Alok Sharma was not available to give any comment on the issue. However, BJP corporators said that whatever obstacles are coming for approaching road must be cleared as soon as possible as of is affecting traffic flow of entire State capital. On Friday, Mayor Alok Sharma’s effigy was burnt at Kamla Park over eviction issue .The protesters alleged that unnecessary politics and pressure is being given for forceful eviction in the name of obstruction of approach road towards Kamlapati Arch bridge which needs to be probed. Congress corporators have said that this is personal issue of encroachment which Bhopal Municipal Corporation officials needs to decide.