Vishnu memorial will cost government Rs 20 crore

The present market value of land in Bangalore north taluk, where the land is located, is Rs 2,500 per sq ft. The Government wants to construct the memorial on a two-acre plot in the studios, where the samadhi of Vishnuvardhan is located.

According to official sources, the owner of the studios, son of late cine actor Balakrishna, wants the Government to pay the market value for the land. However, the present guidance value is Rs 600 per sq ft there, sources said.

Yeddyurappa has set aside Rs 10 crore in 2010-11 budget for the construction of the memorial.  The Government is in a dilemma whether to purchase the plot at the high cost or give alternate land to the owner, sources said.

After chairing the first meeting of the Vishnuvardhan Memorial Construction Committee at his home office Krishna, Yeddyurappa told reporters that he has directed officials to hold talks with the owner of Abhiman Studios over purchase of land.  Vishnuvardhan’s wife Bharati Vishnuvardhan and KFCC President Jayamala were also present at the meeting.

The Chief Minister also said the State Government would initiate the process of land acquisition soon. Bharati Vishnuvardhan said the Chief Minister promised to purchase the land and start the work on memorial soon.