To commemorate the 350th year of coronation of Chhatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Maharaj, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has finalised a plan to erect Meghdambri over the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj situated at Gandhi Gate in Mahal area. As the term indicates, Meghdambri means the brass roof over the statue as after coronation, Shivaji Maharaj assumed the title of Chhatrapati. So to ensure that the statue gets it proper decorum, it was decided to go for Meghdambri that would add to the grandeur of the statue. As per the plan finalised by the DPDC cell of NMC, a sum of Rs 19 lakh is earmarked for the same. In it, brass would be used for crafting the Meghdambri to gel with the elegance of the statue. Along with it, there is also plan to carry out beautification at the area so that the grandeur of the statue is enhanced.

 

Confirming the project, Kamlesh Chavan, Executive Engineer, DPDC Cell, NMC, said Pravin Datke, MLC, has sanctioned funds for the said project from his constituency fund. The only other place having statue of Chhatrapati Shivrajiraje Bhosle Maharaj is at the Shivraj Litho Works on Subhash Road. The statue at Gandhi Gate portrays Maharaj holding the sword and it falls in Prabhag 18 of civic body and stands tall in the circle. The project reports mention that brass plate of 2.35 mm should be used by the contractor for casting the Meghdambri or the roof over Maharaj’s statue. The roof will be at the height of nearly 18 inches from the ground and same would stand on the columns whose thickness too has been prescribed. The design of Meghdambri is as per the one that stands at Raigad Fort where massive statue of Chhatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Maharaj stands.

 

The roof would have hexagonal dome shape spanning 2x2.4 inches shape. The contractor bagging the project would have six months period to execute the work. Chavan said on the first call, only one party had submitted bids but his papers were not in order and hence, NMC went for second call and is expected to finalise the work order soon. Several programmes are held near the statue, especially to mark birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Maharaj and also his death anniversary. Spectacular programmes are held during the coronation day and hence NMC has decided to enhance beauty of the area surrounding the statue to make it more attractive for visitors. Sometimes back, Ramesh Stapute, social activists, wrote to Maharashtra Government to ensure that all the statues of Chhatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle should have compulsory Meghdambri.