President Ram Nath Kovind lays foundation stone for the Governor house in state
Panaji: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the new Raj Bhavan building at Dona Paula, adjacent to the existing 450-old Governor house.
The President laid the stone in the presence of Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik, Speaker of the state legislative assembly Ramesh Tawadkar and other dignitaries.
In view of legalities pertaining to the forthcoming presidential election, the President did not address the gathering after laying the foundation stone.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said the existing Raj Bhavan is a national monument, adding that laying of the foundation stone for the new gubernatorial house is an auspicious moment in the history of Goa.
“Our existing Raj Bhavan is a national monument. But people do not get an opportunity to visit it due to various reasons including security. It is difficult for ordinary people to easily visit the Raj Bhavan,” he observed.
The Governor recalled that the President had said earlier that if possible he would discuss with the Chief Minister and others on constructing a new Raj Bhavan.
“The age of the (existing) Raj Bhavan is more than 450 years. It is stable, but at the same time new Raj Bhavans are constructed in all states…,” he said.
The Governor maintained that the present Raj Bhavan will not be demolished, as it is a national monument, adding that nobody has the right to change any part of it.
“The existing Raj Bhavan will not be destroyed. Once the new Raj Bhavan is ready, the existing building will be open for tourists and locals to visit the national monument,” Pillai added.
Narrating his experiences of travelling in Goa’s villages, the Governor said the villages are beautiful, and that the state has immense potential for spiritual tourism.
He sought cooperation of the people, the ruling party and the Opposition to make Goa a self-reliant state.
Welcoming the President in the state, the Chief Minister said that Goa was honoured by his visit.
He spoke about how the state is implementing the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan through ‘Swayampurna Goa’ so as to make Goa and the nation self-sufficient.
Speaking on the occasion, principal chief engineer of the public works department Uttam Parsekar disclosed that the new structure will be built keeping in mind climate change scenario and sustainability.
Construction of the new building will incorporate use of solar energy, rainwater harvesting and other elements of green energy, Parsekar said.
Chief architect Marwin Gomes made a presentation on the new Raj Bhavan stating that it will have elements of Goan architecture – sloping roofs, plaster and stucco moldings, heritage look and balcony design.
Association representatives and officials, who were instrumental in obtaining Geographical Indications tag to five Goan products/produce were felicitated by the Chief Minister and the Governor on the occasion.
They were: Gurudatta Bhakta (Feni), Ratnakar Velip (Khola chillies), Lavu Thakur (Harmal chillies), Ashok Dhawaskar (Mandoli bananas), Rajaram Chanekar (Goan Khaje), project scientist at the Goa State Council for Science and Technology, Saligao, Deepak Krishna Parab and director of science and technology and waste management, Dr. Levinson Martins.