Work on installing a 108-feet statue of Bengaluru founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda began near the international airport at Devanahalli on the city's northern outskirts on his 510th birthday fest, an official said on Saturday.
"Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa laid the foundation stone for the statue of city founder Kempegowda near the airport where a 23-acre central park will also be built around it as a star attraction to thousands of visitors flying in and out of Bengaluru," the official told IANS here.
The Rs 80-crore statute will be built in a year for unveiling in 2021.
Yediyurappa also unveiled a replica of the statute at the venue.
The country's third busiest airport in this tech city has also been named after the city founder.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Congress state unit president D.K. Shivakumar, state Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan, state Revenue Minister R. Ashoka and others were present on the occasion.
Adichunchanagiri Mutt pontiff Nirmalananda Swami, JSS Mutt pontiff Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami and Siddagagna Mutt pontiff Siddalinga Swamy graced the event.
Born on June 27, 1510 at Magadi in the city's northwest suburb, Kempegowda built four towers in the north, south, east and west of the garden city, with a view to limiting its growth up to a point at 3,000-feet above the sea level.
He also developed water bodies, including lakes and tanks for its supply to its people through the year.
"The Nadaprabhu's birthday celebration is meant to educate the people on the founder's grand vision, planning and building a futuristic city.
"Kempegowda's development works, including building the city's infrastructure during his regime inspires us even after 500 years," said the official.
"The state government will also develop Kempapura village in Magadi taluk, where Kempegowda's tomb is present, as a historical destination," said Narayan.
The state's Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd will also develop Kempapura into an all-season tourist centre.
A state-run board which is managing the restoration and protection of Kempe Gowda monuments in the state will oversee the statue's construction."The statue has been a long-pending demand of the people of Karnataka," asserted Narayan.
A board that has been managing the restoration and protection of Kempe Gowda monuments in the state will oversee the statue.
