LIVE UPDATES: PM Narendra Modi unveils world's largest Statue of Unity

The 182-metre giant structure, twice the size of 'Statue of liberty' built in honour of Patel is built with an aim to boost Gujarat tourism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled world's largest- 'Statue of Unity' on the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel this morning. The 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Patel will be dedicated to the nation.

After Modi unveiled the statue, three IAF planes flew past and created the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours. Modi would also inaugurate the 'Wall of Unity' (a monument defining India's unity) near the statue.

The statue has been built using over 70,000 tonnes of cement, 18,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel, 6,000 tonnes of structural steel and 1,700 metric tonnes of bronze, which was used for the outer cladding of the structure, according to the government statement.

The statue's construction had received opposition from some tribal groups in Narmada district.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has flagged off 'Run for Unity' at the Dhyanchand stadium in Delhi.

Statue of Unity will provide employment to thousands of Tribals: PM Modi

"This statue will provide employment to thousands of Tribals in the area. The forests which were only approachable through text books will now be accessible in real life. I'd like to urge the tourists to pay a visit to the adjoinng villages," says PM Narendra Modi. 

This statue is the symbol of India's unity: PM Modi

"Patel was made the Home Minister when India was going through the most troublesome period. Patel's efforts have made India what it is today. Patel was the one to support women's participation in the Parliament, says PM Narendra Modi.

Farmers from India came forward to make the statue happen

In order to build the #StatueOfUnity, lakhs of farmers from all over India came together, gave their tools, portions of the soil and thus, a mass movement developed: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/NaXjD9Gtp4

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 31, 2018

Prime Minister Modi addresses Gujarat after unveiling statue

"We are all delighted to be here, on the banks of the Narmada. Today we mark Ekta Diwas. Today is a day that will be remembered in the history of India. This is a project that we had thought about during the time I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat," said PM Modi.

PM Narendra Modi unveils the Statue of Unity

Inaugural ceremony underway at Kevadiya

Gujarat: #Visuals from the inauguration ceremony of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's #StatueOfUnity pic.twitter.com/oGEvZrtUDp

— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2018

Home Minister Rajnath Singh pays homage to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

I bow to the great son of India, freedom fighter and India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary. He was the force behind India’s unity and integrity. The Nation is deeply indebted to him. pic.twitter.com/eh4pfjBl8b

— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) October 31, 2018

Here are quick facts about the Statue of Unity

1. The 182-metre-high 'Statue of Unity' is a tribute to the country's first Home Minister who played a major role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union after the partition of 1947.
2.  It is almost 29 metres taller than China's Spring Temple Buddha, the world's current tallest statue at 153 metres, and almost twice as high as the 93- metre Statue of Liberty in New York.
3.  The statue, being built at a cost of Rs. 2,389 crore, is located at Sadhu Bet Island on Narmada river, 3.2 km downstream of Sardar Sarovar Dam.
4.  250 engineers and 3,400 labourers worked day in and out to build the statue.
5. The core of the statue is made up of reinforced concrete and its surface has 553 bronze cladding panels, with each panel comprising 10 to 15 micro panels.

People participating in Run for Unity in New Delhi

People participating in the 'Run for unity' flagged off by Rajnath Singh on the occasion of 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel near India gate in New Delhi. (Photo| Praveen Negi/ EPS)

Amidst the anticipation surrounding the 'Statue of Unity', the Tribals in Gujarat have opposed the unveiling

Local tribal organisations said as many as 75,000 tribals adversely affected by the Statue of Unity project would oppose the Prime Minister and the unveiling of statue at Kevadia in Narmada district.

"No food will be cooked in 72 villages affected by the entire project, as we will be mourning on that day, for the project is being carried out for our destruction," said Dr. Praful Vasava, a tribal leader. Traditionally, food is not cooked in a tribal village when they are mourning for the dead.

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Here is a glimpse of world's tallest statue

The venue at 153 metres, can accommodate up to 200 people at a time. The gallery offers a view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, its reservoir, and the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges. (Photo|PMO)

PM Modi pens homage to 'Dharti Putra' Sardar Patel

 "The first half of 1947 was a critical period in India’s history. The end of colonial rule was certain and so was India’s partition but what was uncertain was whether there would be more than one division. Prices were rising, food shortages were common. But over and above everything else, the unity of India was under severe strain," writes PM Narendra Modi.

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Celebration begins in Kevadiya prior to statue unveiling

#WATCH: Celebrations underway near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's #StatueOfUnity in Gujarat's Kevadiya that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. #RashtriyaEktaDiwas pic.twitter.com/ioafhMipKd

— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2018