This Article is written by Saumya Singh Thakur (a law student at NMIMS School of Law, Mumbai )
Introduction
The first term that comes to mind when we say or hear Mahatma Gandhi’s name is ‘non-violence.’ Similarly, when we think of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, we think of the phrase “Iron Man.” The construction of the world’s tallest statue of the “Iron Man” in Gujarat has been designated as a “National Project” in the union budget 2014-15. His landmark edifice, which will stand towering in the Narmada River, will symbolise Indian unity despite the country’s long history of socio-cultural variety and honour the man who was responsible for the nation’s unity and oneness. As a result, the Indian government has designated October 31 as ‘National Unity Day,’ commemorating Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth.
HISTORY
On October 7, 2010, at a news conference to celebrate the start of his 10th year as Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi initially announced the initiative to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The project was termed “Gujarat’s tribute to the nation” at the time. The Gujarat government set up a special purpose organisation called the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) to carry out the project.
ARCHITECT OF THE STATUE OF UNITY
The almost 600-foot-tall Statue of Unity, which was finished on November 1, is a bronze replica of India’s first deputy prime minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Michael Graves Architecture & Design (MGA) developed and master-planned the structure, which will serve as the centrepiece of what will ultimately become a resort. It took eight years to design and four years to construct the monument. The sculpture was initially suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was still the Gujarat chief minister at the time, in 2010, and construction began in 2014. The monument itself, sculpted by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, stands over 50 storeys tall and is supported by a three-tiered base, bringing the total height to an all-time high. The geometrically carved foundation lies on its own riverine island, with a pedestrian and traffic bridge connecting it to the mainland. Inside, visitors will find a visitor’s centre, a hotel, an exhibition hall, a well as a memorial garden.
THE STATUE OF UNITY: AN ICON OF INDIA
The Statue of Unity in Gujarat, which stands at 182 metres tall and is twice the height of the Statue of Liberty, stands on India’s western shore as a symbol of national pride. It was built on a budget of Rs. 2,989 crore (USD 450 million) as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a freedom fighter and India’s first Deputy Prime Minister. The Statue of Unity was built by Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and is located on Sadhu Hill on the banks of the Narmada in Gujarat. The statue, which stands atop another technical achievement, the Sardar Sarovar Dam, has already attracted visitors from all across the country. In 2019, the project was named PMI India’s Project of the Year in the big category.
The construction of such a massive statue was one of India’s most unusual initiatives in recent years. The project is monumental in scale, both in terms of the Statue’s size and the problems it presented to the engineers, government, local people, and environment. Not only is it now a symbol of national pride, but it has also become a source of employment and revenue for the local community as a result of the boost the Statue has brought in the area.
It is a source of great pride for Gujarat that a leader from its land has been given the honour of being raised to such a great height. It’s no surprise that the whole state of Gujarat would want to kneel down to him. However, confining Sardar Patel to Gujarat would be a disgrace to his labour. Despite the fact that his work began in the state, it gradually spread beyond all frontiers, leaving an indelible mark on the globe and mankind in general. Sardar Patel’s remarks are still resonating throughout the world, therefore it’s no surprise that this project was designated as a national one.
This monument has been transformed into a fully functional economic centre that has linked people, offer health and education services, and conduct a variety of developmental activities for the region’s indigenous population. Within it, an agriculture research centre has been created. Narmada district has gained from modern infrastructure as a result of this initiative, which will help both the district and the state. The district’s industrial expansion will be aided by modern infrastructure. Various environmentally friendly enterprises may be created in the region, which would not only generate jobs for the locals but also assist them improve their living standards. Farmers has been profited from the establishment of agricultural and biotechnological research centres in the region. Last but not least, the magnificent statue has revitalise the tourism economy.
A BRIEF COMPARISON WITH SIMILAR PROJECTS
All other comparable sculptures in the world are dwarfed by the Statue of Unity. More parameters may be used to compare them. The parameters might include the project’s cost, year of completion, height, daily tourist average, and time to completion. In the table given below, the Statue of Unity is compared to three other famous statues: The Spring Temple Buddha, The Statue of Liberty, and Christ the Redeemer.
| Parameters | Statue of Unity | Statue ofLiberty | Spring TempleBuddha | Christ The Redeemer |
| Cost | $450 Million | $250,000 | $18 Million | $250,000 |
| Year ofCompletion | 2018 | 1886 | 2008 | 1931 |
| Time Taken | 5 years | 11 years | 11 years | 9 years |
| Daily TouristAverage (2019) | 15,036 | 10,000 | 2,800 | 5,500 |
| Height | 182 meters | 93 meters | 153 meters | 39 meters |
If we consider today’s inflated prices, the cost of building for The Statue of Liberty and Christ the Redeemer would be much greater.
WHY INDIA NEEDS STATUE OF UNITY?
The United States of America is the only country in the world that recognises the value of national unity. It did, after all, fight a civil war to keep it. That’s why, just three years after his assassination, the first memorial to Abraham Lincoln, the man who battled to keep the country together, was unveiled in the District of Columbia City Hall in 1868. That, however, was not enough. Demand for a larger memorial had increased by the turn of the century. It was inaugurated in 1922 with a
$300,000 budget and a height of 19 feet because 10 feet didn’t seem tall enough. This social investment was made during the Roaring Twenties, a decade when the US economy grew by 42 per cent and mass manufacturing brought consumer goods within reach of more Americans than ever before. India was growing at a comparable rate, but that isn’t the only reason why a 182-meter monument of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — twice the height of the Statue of Liberty — feels appropriate at that time.
The Lincoln memorials were erected to remind a once-divided nation of the man who brought them together. It’s worth remembering that they were created by individuals worried about living in a society where everyone spoke the same language and had the same religious beliefs – two of the most powerful factors that drive nations apart. Of fact, there was no such homogeneity of language or religion in India that more than 500 princely kingdoms could be combined without the princes
As a result, Patel’s statue is appropriately dubbed the “Statue of Unity.” There are at least 15 sculptures of Jawaharlal Nehru around India, including by Ram VanjiSutar, who has designed the Statue of Unity. M K Gandhi is commemorated with monuments in almost 70 countries, the most recent of which was unveiled in 2015 in London’s Parliament Square, following a well-publicized campaign led by economist-politician Meghnad Desai. True, Patel had a few sculptures to his name, but none that recognised his commitment to the national cause on a level with Gandhi and Nehru’s, which it surely was. That is why, more than two decades ago, when Rajmohan Gandhi published his book on Patel, he lamented that, while praise given to Gandhi was dutiful, and to Nehru fulsome, it was niggardly about Patel. A handful of compelling cases back up this issue.
As a serving prime minister, Nehru received the Bharat Ratna in 1955, whereas Patel had to wait until 1991 to receive his. Gandhi and Nehru have their own adjectives, Gandhian and Nehruvian, respectively, but there is no such thing as a ‘Patelian.’ This is due to the fact that Patel’s contribution has received little attention in the way Indian history is taught. Most Indians are unaware that without Vallabhbhai Patel, the map they have been taught to name India would either not exist or would look drastically different. But arguably the most significant vacuum that the Statue of Unity might fill is that of the three who led India’s battle for independence, with only Patel never telling his side of the tale. Both Gandhi and Nehru penned extensive accounts of the tale as they viewed it. When questioned why he didn’t write his own version, Patel famously said that “some write history and others make it.” However, this statue may be able to fill the void.
ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
WALKING POSE
The Sardar’s legs are dressed in dhotis, his feet in chappals, and he is in a walking position, thus the statue is at its thinnest at the base. The walking stance also created a 6.4-meter space between the two feet, which had to be tested to see if it could resist wind velocity.
THE FACE
Another obstacle presented itself in the form of the statue’s appearance. Because Patel’s face was so essential, extra attention was taken when casting the facial characteristics, which had to be as similar to the Sardar’s as possible. The statue is also meant to look to be walking on water, with its left leg slightly forward, towards the Sardar Sarovar dam. Thousands of individuals participated in a participatory activity that determined the Sardar’s real characteristics. A mock-up was made and shown for people to look at and remark on.
MOVEMENT OF MEN AND MATERIAL
The monument is situated in a remote, hilly area, making transportation of supplies extremely challenging. The hill and the mainland were joined by a makeshift Bailey’s bridge. The statue’s base is also higher than the Narmada dam’s maximum flood level over a 100-year span. A expert consultant conducted a comprehensive hydrological analysis to determine the river level and flow under various situations. The monument is split into five zones in total. The first zone extends up to its shins, with three levels including an exposition floor, mezzanine, and roof. A memorial garden and a huge museum will be included. Zone 2 reaches the thighs of the statue at a height of 149 metres, while Zone 3 reaches the viewing gallery at a height of 153 metres. Visitors would be unable to access Zones 4 and 5, with Zone 4 containing the maintenance area and Zone 5 containing the head and shoulders.
EFFECTS OF THE STATUE OF UNITY ON ECONOMY
The success of a project and the efficacy of its management are frequently determined by the benefit it creates and the project’s financial implications. In light of these considerations, the authors have emphasised several dimensions in evaluating the project results in the following paragraphs.
DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ECONOMY
According to the Gujarat Tourism Department, 2.6 million tourists visited the State of Unity between November 1st, 2018 and September 12th, 219 resulting in a revenue of Rs. 570 million from ticket sales. The daily average grew by 74% from the previous year, with 15,036 footfalls recorded in the first month of the second year, rising to 22,430 on weekends.
Other attractions near the Statue of Unity include an exhibition hall, the Unity Wall, a sound and laser light show, a museum, a tour of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, a tour of the Valley of Flowers, boating, sight-seeing of the historical Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary, a helicopter ride, trekking in the Zarvani Eco-tourism area, bird watching, and more.
EMPLOYMENT AND INCLUSIVENESS
• During its construction, the monument employed 3000 workers and 250 engineers, and it is expected to generate 2000 direct and 5000 indirect employment in the near future.
• The fact that the monument is located in a tribal area of India ensures that it will contribute to tribal development, and the “Shreshtha Bharat Centre” at the statue’s foot has aided agricultural research.
• To help farmers feel more linked to the monument, the Chairman of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust launched the Loha (iron) initiative, in which agricultural equipment were gathered from 700,000 villages across India and melted down for use. In total, 120 tonnes of iron were given, proving that the phrase “EK BHARAT, SHRESTH BHARAT” is true (One India, Noble India).
GROWTH OF ALLIED SECTORS
The tourism and hospitality sector has attracted investments of Rs 11,000 crore in the previous few years. Increased tourism activity as a result of the newly-erected Statue of Unity would pave the door for new industries in related areas including hospitality, transportation, and handicrafts to emerge. Near the monument, a 3-star Shrestha Bharat Bhavan hotel has already been erected.
INCREASED TOURISM
• In a statement, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) stated that 91 lakh visitors had visited Kevadia (where the monument is constructed) since the beginning, generating a total income of INR. 85.57 crore in entry fees, with real tourist spending exceeding INR.2,000 crore.
• In its first year, the Statue of Unity attracted an average of 8,500 daily visits, and over the next five years, it is projected to draw 30,000 daily visitors (if CAGR 28.7 percent ). Through tourist visits, the projected revenue as an entrance charge will be 540 crores. Tourists are projected to spend more than INR 10,000 crore on this monument in the coming years. By 2028, this may result in a 2L rise in extra employment. It is expected that foreign exchange earnings and GDP growth will be proportional.
• According to information acquired from the Gujarat State Government, the number of tourists in the region has increased significantly since the Statue of Unity was opened to the public.
- According to figures obtained from the Gujarat State Government, total revenue collected at the Statue of Unity from ticket sales, including parking fees, was Rs. 1,16.31 crore from November 2018 to February 2020.
• Recreational areas have been created around the Statue of Unity, according to information acquired from the Gujarat State Government, in order to boost employment and tourism in the local region. Furthermore, local people were employed during the construction of various projects undertaken by various Departments, including the Tourism Department of the State, which is expected to generate employment in the area, the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam, and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust, among others. Approximately 3000 people are engaged as Tourist Guides, Security Guards, Animal Keepers, Operations, Maintenance & Repair Staff, Drivers, and Photographers at the moment.
• The overall revenue from ticketed monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India was Rs.247.89 crore in 2017-18, Rs.302.34 crore in 2018-19, and Rs.277.78 crore in 2019-20 (April – January), according to ASI data.
• Due to the inauguration of the Statue of Unity in 2018, the state saw a tremendous rise of 12.5 percent over 2017.
• The Statue of Unity has eclipsed the footfall at the 133-year-old Statue of Liberty in the United States in just over a year, with an average of over 15,000 visitors visiting the monument in Gujarat every day. The daily average of 15,036 is currently recorded in the first month of this second year, representing a 74% increase over the first year’s daily average (November 1, 2018 to October 31, 2019). On weekend days, this number has risen to 22,430. A statement from Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd stated.
ROLE OF SECURED GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
The worth and valuations of infrastructure projects in and around the monument will increase with time, allowing not just for a speedier recovery of building costs, but also for a successful venture for private investors. This idea of Secured Governance for Monuments will also see expansion in other areas such as hospitality, law and order, and transportation, among others. This will stimulate high rates of growth and development, large amounts of foreign currency inflows, infrastructure development, and the introduction of new managerial and educational expertise, all of which will have a significant impact on many sectors of the economy. These national monuments sites may assist a nation in accumulating a significant portion of its social and economic wellbeing through earnings, but they can also serve as a source of foreign money, a means of balancing foreign commerce, and an industry without a chimney. Local communities gain from tourism’s contribution to the improvement of social infrastructure such as schools, libraries, health care facilities, and internet cafés, among other things. Furthermore, if local culture serves as the foundation for bringing tourists to the area, it aids in the preservation of local customs and handicrafts.
IMPACT OF COVD-19 ON TOURISM
According to the research, travel and tourism make for 9.2% of India’s GDP (in 2018). In the year 2018, the tourist industry employed 26.7 million people. The coronavirus’s cascading effect has been proven to damage the Indian tourist and hospitality industry at an alarming rate. In the wake of new coronavirus allegations, India is seeing a 25 percent to 30 percent reduction in inbound overseas tourists, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) were down by around 67 percent yearly in the January-March quarter, according to freshly released data from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, while local visitors were down by roughly 40 percent. According to official data, FTA decreased by
9.3% month over month and 7% year over year in February 2020. There were 10.15 lakh FTAs in February 2020, compared to 10.87 lakh in February 2019 and 11.18 lakh in January 2020. The situation is worse, as India has announced the suspension of all tourist visas until April 15 in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus.
The number of domestic travellers has decreased since individuals only travel for work or emergency reasons. From January to February, the number of visitors to Gujarat’s Statue of Unity fell by more than 38%, resulting in a loss of nearly Rs. 5 crore in revenue.
CONCLUSION
Completing an 182 metre tall statue in five years and on a budget of USD 450 million is a success story of project management. The finest example of tourism contributing to socio-cultural and economic development is the Statue of Unity. It has aided in spreading Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s visionary ideas of unity, patriotism, inclusive progress, and good government among the people. It has aided in the growth of tourism in Gujarat, as well as the infusion of foreign cash into the Indian economy by increasing the number of local and international tourists. Destination development has aided in the creation of jobs for residents, resulting in a multiplier impact on the local economy. Many opportunities for the hospitality industry are now available, and tourists are already benefiting from world-class and cutting-edge facilities. Thus, the statue of unity is a well- planned tourism destination by the Gujarat government, which has added a feather to the Indian tourism industry.
REFERENCES
• Shukla, P. K., & Ansari, A. A. (2013). A Study of Changing Scenario of Tourism Development in Gujarat. International Journal of Environment, Ecology, Family and Urban Studies (IJEEFUS) ISSN, 2250-0065.
• Swadia, B. U. A STUDY ON GLOBALIZATION ON TOURISM INDUSTRY OF GUJARAT.
• Singh, Rishav (2019), “Statute of Unity – A case Study”, SELP Journal of Social Science, 45, 17-24.
• India‟s Statue of Unity starts registering its success story, Times travel, Times of India, Published on 21st May 2019, retrieved on 12th January2020, https:// timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/indias-statue-of-unity-starts-registering-its- success-story/as69425297.cms.
• Statue of Unity surpasses daily average footfall at USA’s Statue of Liberty, Live mint, published on 6th December 2019, retrieved on 12th January 2020, https://www.livemint.com/ news/india/statue-of-unity-surpasses-daily-average-footfall-at-usa-s-statue-of- liberty-11575640942758.html.
