* To be open to the public once new complex is complete
* President of India Ram Nath Kovind lays foundation stone for new Raj Bhavan Complex
Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Governor of Goa P.S Sreedharan Pillai today declared the existing Raj Bhavan a national monument.
President of India Ram Nath Kovind, in the presence of Governor P.S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union MoS for Tourism, Shripad Naik, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar today Laid Foundation Stone for New Raj Bhavan Complex at Dona Paula, Goa.
“Existing Goa Raj Bhavan declared as a national monument; the facility to be thrown open for public/ tourists once the new Raj Bhavan is constructed,” said Pillai.
The Governor of Goa’s office has clarified that the existing 400-year-old structure will remain intact and without any modification.
The office of the Governor has clarified the objection raised by some sections of people on the construction of the new Raj Bhavan, stating that the existing Raj Bhavan Palace Structure is more than 400 years old and has undergone a great deal of wear and tear, resulting in crores of rupees being spent every year for the maintenance by the Public Works Department.
It is further clarified that over the years, the needs and requirements of Raj Bhavan have undergone a great deal of change4, requiring more space with modern facilities and amenities.
“Hence, it is proposed to construct a Raj Bhavan Annexe in the land available within the campus. It is also informed that the present building of Raj Bhavan and the Governor’s Secretariat Building will remain intact and will not be disturbed or modified in any manner,” it said.