Convert Raj Bhawans into Smart Raj Bhawans was the mantra given by President Pranab Mukherjee on the new year to the Governors, many of whom occupying officials residence which are heritage structures.
A history aficionado Mukherjee, who has taken lot of steps to modernise and renovate 87-year-old Rashtrapati Bhawan, advised the Governors to take similar steps in respective Raj Bhawans, many of them being heritage structures, and open them for public viewing.
"You can convert Raj Bhawans into Smart Raj Bhawans. We have operationalised the 'e-Way' system for online dialogue and communication between the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Raj Bhawans," he said.
The President underlined the need to preserve and restore many of the Raj Bhawans which are heritage structures.
"In the Rashtrapati Bhawan, we have made an attempt to create a humane, hi-tech and heritage township. All our activities have been geared to achieve the objectives of these 3-H's," the President said in his new year message to the Governors, delivered through video link.
Mukherjee said a project has been started to convert the President's Estate into a smart township by rationalising energy and water usage and waste management.
"The integrated approach through a command and control system will optimise the use of resources and provide efficient delivery of services to the residents. You too can initiate similar smart township programmes at your respective Raj Bhawans," he said.
