Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several development projects in Thane city and announced the reconstruction of a grand memorial and king-size statue of his late mentor, Anand Dighe.
The Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Tower, featuring a 43-meter-high structure with a king-size statue of Dighe, will be constructed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan near Talao Pali in old Thane. Dighe, a highly revered Shiv Sena leader, held significant influence across the Thane region.
The project, which includes some ground revamp works and new construction, is estimated to cost ₹15 crore—funds that have already been sanctioned.
Shinde also inaugurated other key civic projects, including:
Renovation of seating arrangements at Dadoji Konddev Sports Auditorium
Expansion of Khandu Rangnekar Badminton Hall
Beautification of the Thane Station area
A water treatment facility at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan
As part of the Green Thane Scheme, two lakh trees will be planted across the city. Additionally, the Thane Municipal Corporation has begun experimenting with organic farming, which Shinde said is contributing to a visible transformation of the city.
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In a major boost to sports infrastructure, national-level badminton training will now be offered at the Khandu Rangnekar Badminton Hall. Shinde expressed confidence that the facility would produce Olympic medalists. Currently equipped with five courts, the hall will be expanded to include five more, along with separate hostels for boys and girls, gymnasiums, and other international-standard amenities.
'Healthy Women Campaign' Launched
Shinde also launched the Deputy Chief Minister’s Healthy Women Campaign, a joint initiative of the Thane Municipal Corporation and the Rotary Club. The campaign aims to raise health awareness and provide medical treatment for underprivileged women.
