Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SD)

Panaji, Jul 25: Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that a new Raj Bhawan would be constructed as per the decisions taken by the state government. Land identification and designing is likely to be tendered by April next year.

The chief minister said that the decision was taken after the reports from the PWD that the maintenance and repairing of the existing structure have become difficult. The Raj Bhawan, also the residence of the governor-general was the seat of power during the Portuguese era and the exact year of construction is still unknown, while it is understood to be 1534 according to its official website.

"It is an old structure and it has been repaired and maintained by the government for decades. As per the reports received, it is time to go in for a new one. Once the new Raj Bhawan is constructed, the present one at Dona Paula will be preserved and maintained as a heritage monument," Sawant said.

Parimal Rai, chief secretary suggested that the new Raj Bhawan should be spacious enough for three helicopters to land. Uttam Parsekar, chief engineer PWD said that the existing building would be maintained well.