Rajpipala: The Statue of Unity has been kept open today due to Diwali vacation season despite the earlier decision to keep it closed for maintenance on every Monday, Collector of Narmada R S Ninama said.

He also said that only buses are allowed to park near the statue situated in Sadhu bet.

‘We have allowed parking of only buses, be it the 20 odd buses being run from the SoU project side or other bus carrying visitors such as school or college tour from outside. The SoU buses start from Kevadiya and at a payment of Rs 30 per person it takes a round of 20 km covering the nine related points including the valley of flowers, Sardar Sarovar Dam etc,’ he said adding that private buses allowed to go to SoU site will not be charged for Rs 30 per person.

The collector said that it has been decided to keep the world’s tallest statue site closed every Monday for maintenance etc but as this the festive season it was kept open today.

‘We have yet to take a decision about the next Monday,’ he said.

DeshGujarat