Maharashtra Government has gone ahead with a plan to build a statue of Shivaji Maharaj in the middle Arabian Sea, almost on lines of Statue of Liberty. What is bugging most is the expense of 350 crores being done on this.
Mumbai has got problems galore. Everytime we hear politicians say that the budget allocation by the Central Government leaves a lot of be desired. After every budget we read in the newspapers that Mumbai only gives but does not receive in terms of monetary gains.
Not surprising this decision makes one wonder from where the 350 crores will be used for the construction. And of course, the Bandra Worli Sea Link has proved that the mid-sea endeavors by our government have also escalated to more than the original cost. So we can safely assume that this cost will be over and above minimum 500 crores. We are not talking of Rs.150 difference over Rs. 350, but a difference of over 150 crore rupees.
This money can easily be utilized for improving the infrastructure, improving the water supply system, drainage system. No I wont argue, that in Mahahashtra farmers are committing suicide, I am arguing for my Mumbai, which is collapsing daily. We want better quality of life. Instead of building statues, why isn't the waterway being developed as a public transport system. We have a good chance to explore the sea as an alternate route of transport which is much needed.
Why cant the open drains(nallahs) be closed all over Mumbai. There has been a definite drop in Mosquitoes in areas where they have been closed.
There are many more options, but statue is surely a big waste of money. 350 crores for the statue, and other expenses per month to clean the bird shits which will be covering it daily……..
