Statue Circle to be revamped, more green.

A major hangout for Jaipurites — Statue Circle — is all set for a revamp as possibilities to make it more green, spacious and beautiful are being explored.  The Statue Circle development plan received a major boost as an understanding was reportedly reached to acquire land from the adjoining properties.  The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has proposed acquiring a strip of 25-metre around the existing periphery of the circle.  A meeting of the property management and urban development officials were held on Thursday, under chairmanship of urban development minister Shanti Dhariwal, in which the acquisition exercise was approved.  The income-tax office, Birla Auditorium and a few private properties are located around Statue Circle. The affected land owners are expected to be provided compensation in non-monetary terms. The JDA is considering offering additional floor area ratio and other relaxation in compensation for the acquired area.  The private owners have assured unconditional support to the plans. Officials from the income-tax department and Birla Auditorium have no objection, however, a formal approval from senior officials is awaited.  JDA will soon formally start land acquisition and the development of the circle. “The original layout of the circle will not be changed, only the landscaping and plantation will be altered inside the existing circle. The additional land acquired will be used to widen the roads and other development work,” said a senior JDA official.  A prominent landmark, Statue Circle attracts considerable crowds during evening. Its proximity to major commercial institutions and government offices also adds to the number of vehicles passing through the area each day. The Statue Circle Road is estimated to witness a peak hour rush of more than 3,000 vehicles. Thus traffic congestion and parking-related issues have become routine.  Several designs have been previously proposed for development of the circle. A parking project was also proposed at the site. However, the tourism department had reportedly objected to any distortion with the heritage appearance of the circle.  According to the new proposal, the existing circle will only undergo a change in plantation cover. While some of the additional land will be used for road widening, the remaining land will be used of development of green space around the circle. Installation of a marble fountain and other facilities have also been proposed to provide additional attractions for tourists.  LAND TO BE ACQUIRED FROM  • Birla Audtorium  • Income Tax office  • Portion of JMC vacant land  • Hotel Haveli  • Land from two other private bungalows