The King and Prime Minister of Bhutan are set to visit the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, on Monday, according to the Gujarat government. Elaborate arrangements have been made for their arrival, the government stated on Sunday.
The 182-metre-tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which overlooks the basin of the Narmada River and the sprawling Sardar Sarovar Dam, is located at Ektanagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will view the Statue of Unity and the adjoining Sardar Sarovar Dam together, the state government confirmed in a statement.
The dignitaries are scheduled to arrive at Vadodara airport around 11:15 AM on Monday. From there, they will depart for Ektanagar, where their first stop will be the Statue of Unity, the release said.
During their visit, the Bhutanese King and Prime Minister will be briefed on the construction of the statue, the pivotal role of Sardar Patel, and his significant contribution to the unity of India post-independence. As India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Patel is credited with the merger of over 550 princely states into the Union of India.
Following their tour of the statue, they will visit the Tent City and then proceed to the Sardar Sarovar Dam at 3:50 PM, the release stated.
“Elaborate arrangements have been made by the administrations of Vadodara and Narmada districts. For this, a meeting was held with the officials concerned of both districts in the presence of officials from the Ministry of External Affairs,” the statement added.
Gujarat Minister Jagadish Vishwakarma will join the dignitaries during their visit.
“The Statue of Unity has gained prominence among global tourist destinations. The popularity of this tourist destination, built in rural areas, especially in tribal areas, is increasing day by day,” the release noted.
The development of the Statue of Unity premises has brought about a “qualitative change in the lives of many local tribal families.” In contrast, Bhutan is renowned for its conservation of natural resources and tourism, it added.
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