Funds for Shiv Shrushti will be raised by us, says admin officer of Maharaja Shivachhatrapati Pratishthan

The project, being conceived by historian Babasaheb Puurandare, is at the centre of controversy after opposition parties threatened to stall it over reports that the project is going to get Rs.300 crore as grant.

Anil Pawar, administrative officer at Maharaja Shivachhatrapati Pratishthan, the trust that is building the Shiv Shrushti at Ambegaon near Pune. The project, being conceived by historian Babasaheb Puurandare, is at the centre of controversy after opposition parties threatened to stall it over reports that the project is going to get Rs.300 crore as grant. Following are excerpts of an interview with him

Anil Pawar. (HT PHOTO)

Why the controversy surrounding Shiv Shrushti?

We don’t know why there is a controversy around Shiv Shrushti now. The project is under development since 1999.

Do you think the recent GR from by state government triggered the controversy?

The Government Resolution (GR) only mentions that the project has been accorded the status of “mega project” by state government’s tourism department. This has been done under the 2016 state government tourism policy.

So the project will not get Rs.300 crore from the state government as alleged by the opposition?

We have never sought money from government nor has the government promised us to pay Rs.300 crore. The money which is currently being talked about will be raised by the Shivachhatrapati Pratishthan.

The project has got land from the government. Is it true?

Yes, the project received the land in 1999 from the then government. But, the money is being generated by the Pratishthan so that the site can be developed as a tourism spot and can generate employment.

When is the project likely to be completed?

We have planned many things, including Shivaji smarak, rajya sabha, auditorium, bazaar peth, shilpagram, staff quarters, multi-level car parking, among others. A Killedar wada has already been constructed in 2004.