Haryana Home, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the first flame to liberate India was lit in the holy land of Ambala and only after that the country got freedom and today we are breathing in an independent India.
In order to interpret the history of independence to the present and future generations, a “AZADI KI PEHLI LADAI KA SHAHEED SAMARAK” is being constructed at Ambala Cantonment at a cost of about Rs. 540 crores. An online tender of Rs 149 crore has been floated and the last date of this tender is June 5, 2023, he added.
The work of 'Art and Exhibition Work' will start in the month of July, expected to be completed in February, 2024 - Vij
Giving more details in this regard, he said that the 'art and exhibit work' included development, supply, procurement, integration, execution, soft content, operation and maintenance for 3 years including exhibits, installations, lighting and digital equipment. He informed that the work on 'Art and Exhibit Work' is likely to start in the month of July and is expected to be completed in February, 2024.
Rs 175.83 crores approved by the government for the execution of 'art and exhibit work'- Vij
He informed that according to the proposal submitted by the consultant, an amount of Rs 175.83 crores has also been approved by the government for the execution of 'art and exhibit work'. The bid document specifically framed for this Art and Exhibit work has also been approved by the Government and the tender has since been floated accordingly.
Smarak work in two phases, civil work and art and exhibit work - Vij
Sh. Vij informed that the project for construction of “AZADI KI PEHLI LADAI KA SHAHEED SAMARAK” being constructed at Ambala Cantonment has been approved by the Haryana Government, the total project cost of which is expected to be Rs.539.39 crores, while Rs. 437.90 crores of amount has been approved by the government. The project is to be implemented in two phases, one for civil works and the other for art and exhibit works.
Civil work 86 percent completed, remaining work is in progress- Vij
He informed that the civil works allotted by the Haryana PWD (B&R) Department in which included Interpretation Centre Building, Museum, Open Air Theatre, Auditorium, Water Body, Memorial Tower, Double Basement Car Parking, Staff Quarters, Information Centre, Helipad etc. He informed that about 86 percent work has already been completed by incurred Rs 252 crore and the remaining work is in progress.
This Smarak will be a connecting link between past and present – Vij
Sh. Vij said that this Smarak will connect between the past and the present and would enable people to remember and honor the sacrifices of the martyrs who participated or were martyred in the freedom struggle.
Smarak can be an important source of information for young people in understanding the sacrifices made by past generations.The Smarak forms the core of the nation's tribute to the sacrifice and achievement of the men and women who died serving their country.
This Smarak being built on 22 acres is unique of its kind in the country- Vij
He informed that the under-construction Shaheed Smarak dedicated to the First War of Independence in 1857 on National Highway-44 in Ambala Cantonment is being constructed to showcase the state-of-the-art technology being used in the Red Fort Museum in New Delhi. On 22 acres in Ambala Cantonment, this Smarak is a unique infrastructure of its kind in the country.
The Smarak is divided into three categories, history of Ambala-Haryana-India will be exhibits- Vij
Sh. Vij said that hologram statues in this Smarak will also be a part of the project. Apart from this, the Smarak has been divided into three categories under which the contribution made to get freedom will be shown.
In this, the role of Ambala in the first, the role of Haryana in the second and the role of martyrs from all over the country in the third will be explained in art and digital ways.
He said that the Smarak being built in Haryana's Ambala Cantonment would be one of its kinds in the country, in which the contribution of Haryana people in the freedom movement would be attractively exhibited so that the youth could take inspiration from the life and valor of the martyrs.
Committee of 6 prominent historians formed to display history at Smarak- Vij
Home Minister Anil Vij said that to know the history, a committee of 6 prominent historians of the country has been formed, in which 2 historians from Ambala have also been included, who will work to get each and every fact exhibited in the Smarak. He said that roti and lotus flower were important in the revolution of 1857 and a 70 feet high lotus flower would be made in the Smarak.
Home Minister Anil Vij said that the freedom struggle was fully planned in 1857 and historians believe that it was planned from Ambala Cantonment, although from March 26, the homes and offices of all those who were an obstacle in this revolution were handed over to the fire.