VIJAYAWADA, NOV 27  :   Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday directed the officials to expedite the works of Dr BR Ambedkar Smriti Vanam at Swaraj Maidan here to ensure that the 125-feet tall bronze statue will be inaugurated as per schedule.

Taking stock of the progress of works at a review meeting at the Camp Office here, the Chief Minister said that the Ambedkar Project is of historical importance and reflects social justice, constitutional supremacy and democratic values.

The project would play a key role in consolidating unity, brotherhood and social harmony among people, he said, adding that no work should be left unattended at the prestigious Dr Ambedkar Smriti Vanam.

Officials told the Chief Minister that the project works would be completed by January 15 and the statue would be ready for inauguration on January 24, two days before the Republic Day.

Reddy told them to make the Smriti Vanam premises verdant while providing all basic facilities and getting the convention centre also ready for functioning.

There should be constant monitoring on the progress of the project to ensure its completion as per the schedule and the project management should be foolproof, he said.

Officials informed him that the statue of Dr Ambedkar would be installed on an 81-feet pedestal taking the total length to 206 feet. The entire project would reflect the concept of social justice.

They further explained about the beautification works being undertaken along the flood protection wall constructed in the Krishnalanka area. Works belonging to the park and walking track are in full swing, the officials said.

Deputy CM (Endowments) K. Satyanarayana, Municipal Administration Minister A.Suresh, Social Welfare Minister M.Nagarjuna, Special CS (MA & UD) Y. Sri Lakshmi, APIIC MD Praveen Kumar, NTR District Collector S. Dilli Rao, Vijayawada Municipal Commissioner Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar and other officials were present.(UNI)