Pune Municipal Corporation has given the green light for the construction of a grand canopy (Meghadambari) over the statue of Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Shri Sambhaji Maharaj at Deccan Gymkhana.

The project, which has been a long-standing demand from various organizations in the city, is set to cost ₹47.27 lakh and will be completed within a span of three months.

The demand for the canopy was raised by several local groups, aiming to honor the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a revered historical figure.

Following these requests, officials from the Municipal Corporation’s Building Department carried out a detailed site inspection and submitted a proposal. The canopy will not only protect the full-sized statue but will also enhance its aesthetics, making it a significant landmark in the area.

The statue will be surrounded by a stone masonry platform, and the canopy will be constructed using durable polyester resin. This will add to the overall grandeur of the statue while providing a space for citizens to stand and pay homage. The beautification efforts around the statue will further elevate the location’s significance.

The tendering process attracted three bids, and the lowest bid, which was 5.5% below the original estimated cost, was accepted by the Municipal Commissioner, Dr. Rajendra Bhosale. The tender approval took place during the recent Standing Committee meeting, and the work will commence shortly.

Executive Engineer Virendra Kelkar, who is overseeing the project, explained, "The scope of work includes the construction of the Meghadambari, stairs, and the platform around the statue.

The total expenditure is projected to be ₹47.27 lakh, and we aim to complete the project within the next three months."