Top AP officials inspect progress of Ambedkar's 125-feet statue

 VIJAYAWADA: Special chief secretary (Municipal Administration & Urban Development) Y. Srilakshmi on Thursday inspected the progress of works going on at the Ambedkar Smriti Vanam, including the 125-feet statue of the Father of Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, being built at a 25-acre complex in Swaraj Maidan of Vijayawada.

She was accompanied by AP Greening and Beautification Corporation managing director B. Rajasekhar and Vijayawada Municipal Corporation commissioner Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar.

The special CS said that once completed, the Ambedkar Smriti Vanam will become the best tourist place in Andhra Pradesh with Mughal Gardens-type landscaping, national bird peacock-patterned colourful flowers, bougainvillea plants in a bamboo frame, pebble patterns, beautiful footpaths, dividers, and intersections, among others.

Srilakshmi said as B.R. Ambedkar envisaged, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is implementing many programmes for the downtrodden communities and poor. More than 500 labour are working on the construction of the biggest idol being built at a cost of ₹400 crore rupees, using 518 metric tons of steel and bronze.

The special CS said 95 percent of the work on Smriti Vanam has already been completed and final touch-ups are being given. The Smriti Vanam complex will have a modern AC theatre, museum, library, and water pools. Arrangements are being made around the statue, showcasing every incident in Ambedkar's life.