After criticising 'Statue of Unity', Congress-JDS government proposes 'Cauvery Mata' statue worth Rs 1200 crores in Karnataka

After leaders of Congress -JDS political spectrum criticised 'Statue of Unity' dedicated to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Karnataka's coalition government has put forward a new proposal of building a 125 ft statue worth Rs 1200 crores of 'Cauvery Mata' at the Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir in Mandya district. Apart from this, the government has also proposed the following:

• To build a museum complex
• Two glass towers measuring 360 feet providing a bird's eye view of the KRS reservoir
•  A band-stand
• An indoor stadium
• A replica of historical monuments to boost tourism in the region

Read: Over 1.28 Lakh Tourists Visit Statue Of Unity In 11 Days In Gujarat

Congress leader D. K. Shivakumar, state’s water resources minister and tourism minister held a meeting with officials from both departments. Speaking on the matter said, Mr. Shivakumar, said:

"A new lake would be created next to the reservoir on which the new structures will come up. The statute of Mother Cauvery will be installed atop the museum complex and between the two glass towers. The statue will be taller than the KSR reservoir. The government hopes to rope in private investors for the project. Except for land, the government is not investing anything".

Read: Comedian In US Jokes About Statue Of Unity; Netizens Give Him Blistering Response

The proposal comes about a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the world’s tallest statue dedicated to Freedom fighters and former Union Home Minister, Vallabhbhai Patel near Vadodara in Gujarat. Titled the ‘Statue of Unity’, the structure is 182 meters tall and cost around Rs 3000 crore.

The proposal in Karnataka comes at a time when activist groups have blamed the government of turning a blind eye on illegal sand mining around river Cauvery that is irreparably damaging the ecological balance.