Hyderabad: How tall will the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Bapu Ghat be? Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has committed to installing the world’s tallest Gandhi statue here as part of his ambitious Musi River rejuvenation project. Following his directive, officials have started surveying notable Gandhi statues worldwide. Currently, the tallest Gandhi statue, standing at 72 feet, is located at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. This bronze statue, installed in 2013, holds the record for height until now.
The Mahatma Gandhi statue in the forecourt of the Assembly in Hyderabad is currently the largest in Telangana, standing at 22 feet. Crafted in bronze, this statue depicts Gandhi in Dhyana Mudra and was inaugurated in 1999 under the leadership of then-Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of undivided Andhra Pradesh. The current Chief Minister envisions a wider discussion on the design of the proposed tallest Gandhi statue, considering whether it should portray Gandhi in a seated, meditative posture or in a walking stance. To ensure a thoughtful choice, the government plans to seek input from intellectuals across various fields, political leaders, and community representatives.
Officials report that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy envisions transforming Bapu Ghat into a symbol of brotherhood and world peace, as well as a hub for spirituality and education. He recently discussed these plans with authorities. The government is also set to invite tenders for the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs) at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore to purify the river water. Additionally, it plans to redirect water from Gandipet to the Musi River and construct a bridge-cum-barrage at Bapu Ghat.
In the initial phase, the state government will focus on developing the Musi Riverfront from Gandipet to Bapu Ghat, where the Musa and Esa rivers converge to form the Musi. Plans include transforming this area into a grand site named “Gandhi Sarovar.” Additionally, a Gandhi Ashram is set to be established as an educational hub, offering courses in communication skills, ethics, and values, alongside an ideology center to embody Gandhi’s teachings, practices, and ideals, according to sources.
