The National War Memorial (NWM), in honour of about 26,000 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for nation, after independence, is to be inaugurated at India Gate, on 25th of February, as reported by government officials.
Located at India Gate C-Hexagon, the NWM has been built on 40 acres of land. “It is the only memorial in the country, where the names of the soldiers and the personnel of the triservices will be under one roof.”
The most highlighting feature of the memorial will be its 14 lakh litre water tank that is designed for rainwater harvesting, maintaining greenary and coolness of the area, and preventing water clogging in the city. Apart from that, artificial lighting for evenings and a walking plaza are among some other interesting features of it.
Missing many deadlines earlier, finally on 25th February the tentative inaugural date is being fixed. PM Modi will be addressing 15,000 ex-servicemen at the National Stadium in New Delhi before inauguration
What makes the thing so delayed ? As per sources, The slippages in completion of the memorial were because the memorial is being targeted to be geared up within a short time. Unexpected rain and government’s repeated imposition of restrictions over work, due to pollution, have again delayed the process further.
As per the demand of its design, the needed granites and sandstones are to be bought from Rajasthan and there is strict restrictions imposed in Lutyens’ Delhi for heavy vehicular movements, due to which their transportation was hampered. Then again, when the work is stopped, getting labourers back takes time also.
Memorial of such magnitude needs at least two and half years to be completely ready. So, in spite of all missed dates if the inauguration takes place on 25 February then the memorial would set a record of being completed so early. Its construction work started in July 2017 and right after the Aero India Show 2019, which will come about in Bangalore from February 20 to 24, the memorial is likely to be inaugurated.
The permission for making of NWM has been granted in the year 2015, after about 60 years it was first proposed by the armed forces to honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in wars and operations since Independence.
