New Delhi:
The CISF on Tuesday took over the security of Statue of Unity, Kevadia, Gujarat with the initial strength of 272 personnel against the total sanctioned strength of 352 personnel. M. R. Kothari, IAS, District Collector, Narmada/Chief Administrator, Statue of Unity was the chief guest of the function.
The unit is headed by Deputy Commandant rank officer. With this induction, total units under CISF security cover has risen to 350 as on date.
It is worth mentioning that the Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world with a height of 182 metres (597 feet) located in front of Sardar Sarovar Dam, a splendidly scenic location. This colossal statue stands on the isle of Sadhu-Bet in River Narmada at Kevadia, Gujarat, with the majestic Vindhyachal and Satpura Mountain Ranges in the backdrop. The campus of Statue of Unity is spread in 23 acres of land with 07 operational gates and one emergency exit gate.
The statue is fast becoming one of the country’s top tourist attractions which aim to inspire the generations about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision on unity, nationalism, inclusive growth and good governance.
Due to the importance and prominence of the Statue of Unity, it is under constant threat from anti-social elements as it is susceptible to damage to sculpture and terrorist activities. The CISF will provide round-the-clock armed security cover to the Statue of Unity, said CISF spokesperson.
Harikrishna Patel, IPS, IGP, Gujarat Police, V. K. Kakkar, Commandant, CISF Unit GR Baroda, senior officials from the management of Statue of Unity, Department of Forest and Environment, Govt. of Gujarat, local administration and CISF were present during the induction ceremony.
