The Foundation Stone for the reconstruction of the century old Raj Bhawan was laid this afternnon at the Raj Bhawan premises by the Governor Lt. Gen.(Rtd) M M Lakhera PVSM, AVSM,VSM and the Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla. A short function was held at the Durbar Hall to commemorate the event.

Speaking at the function the Governor outlined the historic significance of today’s programme and expressed his gratitude to the 13th Finance Commission for providing funds for the reconstruction of Raj Bhawan. Since the construction work will involve retaining the original façade and structure of the Raj Bhawan to show its historical significance, the Governor said that the construction will be a challenge to the PWD and hoped that they would put in their best efforts.

In his speech, the Chief Minister reminded those present of the glorious past of the Raj Bhawan and its significance for Mizoram and the people. He said that the construction will not only be an engineering exercise but also heritage conservation, given its historical significance. He thanked the Governor for involving the Mizoram Chapter of INTACH who gave suggestions in the reconstruction plan. He urged the PWD to take the job very seriously and see it that that it comes out a masterpiece that would make all proud. He asked the ‘Monitoring & Evaluation Committee for reconstruction of Raj Bhawan’ which has been set up under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to ensure that the workmanship is of the highest standards and quality.

According to Vanlaltluanga Chief Engineer (Buildings) PWD who presented the Technical Report, the new building is to be constructed at the site of the existing Raj Bhawan. The portion of the existing building like masonry walling constructed during the British Rule in India which has historical value will be retained to blend with the new design and will not be demolished. The building is to be constructed with RCC framed structure with half brick walling, teak wood doors and windows, mangalore tile roofing over RCC slope roof. Gypsum board and wood veneer/marine ply will be provided for the ceiling. Italian marble and laminated wooden floorig will be provided in the Governor’s Residence and VVIP rooms.

The total build up area of the building will be 3008.00 Sq.m. and total floor area 6150.00 sq.m. excluding parking area. The 13th Finance Commission had set aside Rs. 30.00 crores for reconstruction of Raj Bhawan. The architectural drawing of the building has been prepared by a renowned firm “AVESANA’, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

The building will be executed in four phases over a period of 32 months. The tender for the whole building has been floated and examination of technical bids is in progress.