Maitreya Project Update

January - February, 2002

Maitreya Project is moving forward as discussions with the Indian state governments of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh are continuing. The discussions are taking longer than earlier wished and indicated. However, the prospect of the Project being able to secure a beautiful site much larger than the current site in Bodhgaya is close to becoming a reality.

Detailed design work is on hold until the site selection and acquisition process is complete. The project has a full professional team working in India undertaking the complex due diligence process essential to planning any possible relocation. The team has been working steadily for almost five months actively examining issues in the areas of law, taxation, employment, planning, architecture and the environment. It is hoped that a final agreement with one of the two state governments under consideration will be reached early this spring. It was hoped the decision could be taken earlier but the implications of a move are exceedingly complex and it is essential that all the details are worked through most thoroughly.

Concept architects AROS have been working hard during this time to develop a generic site and development plan in anticipation of the announcement of a site change. A major presentation based on this concept will be made to senior government officials at both state and central levels.

Acquisition of the hundreds of thousands of items of sacred art and statuary that will be produced for the monument and park is continuing in Tibet, Nepal and India.