Presidential Estate in Uttarakhand transformed from exclusive retreat to 172-acre public space
Dehradun, Nestled in the Doon Valley, the 172-acre Presidential Estate here has undergone a transformation—from an exclusive retreat to a vibrant public space that celebrates biodiversity, heritage, and sustainability, a Rashtrapati Bhavan official said on Friday. Presidential Estate in Uttarakhand transformed from exclusive retreat to 172-acre public space
On the day of her 67th birthday, Murmu on Friday opened the Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan for the public.
She also inaugurated public amenities, including the visitor facilitation centre, the cafeteria, and the souvenir shop, and laid the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan.
The Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan will be open for public viewing from June 24 and July 1, 2025 respectively.
Established in 1838 as a camp for the Governor General's Bodyguard, the estate later served as a secluded retreat for India's presidents. For decades, its serene orchards, colonial stables, and forested paths remained out of reach for ordinary citizens, visited only by those in the highest offices of the state, said Navika Gupta, Deputy Press Secretary to the President.
"Today, that exclusivity has been replaced by inclusion. With the creation of Rashtrapati Niketan, Rashtrapati Tapovan, and Rashtrapati Udyan, the estate has been reimagined as a national asset, an open, living space that connects people to the story of the Presidency, the richness of Indian biodiversity, and the promise of a sustainable future," she said.
Spread across 21 acres, Rashtrapati Niketan blends heritage with natural beauty. Its mango and litchi orchards still flourish, and the space has been enhanced with a 200-seat amphitheatre and modern visitor amenities that offer opportunities for cultural engagement and reflection.
Presidents who once walked these paths are remembered through guided tours that invite visitors to trace the footsteps of visionaries whose decisions shaped the nation, Gupta said.
The corridors now feature a curated display of archival photographs from the Presidential archives, offering glimpses into key moments of India's journey and the evolving role of the Presidency. These evocative images turn the heritage walk into a meaningful encounter with India's constitutional legacy, she said.
The interiors of the Presidential rooms have been enriched with the artistic heritage of Uttarakhand, featuring Pahari miniatures, Aipan designs, and a variety of local crafts that reflect the region's rich cultural traditions, Gupta said.
Adjacent to Niketan lies Tapovan, a serene forest zone developed in collaboration with the Uttarakhand forest department.
Inspired by India's ancient tradition of learning amidst nature, Tapovan features silent zones, forest trails, meditation huts, and shaded pergolas for quiet contemplation.
"Biodiversity conservation is central to the experience. Visitors can take part in expert-led walks to learn about native medicinal plants, the intricate roles of forest ecosystems, and the traditional ecological knowledge of local communities. It's a space where awareness grows naturally, rooted in experience rather than instruction," she said.
Spanning 132 acres, Rashtrapati Udyan is a visionary model of sustainable public space, net-zero park.
"Developed through public consultation and accessible to all, the plan of the park includes walking and cycling tracks, butterfly domes, an 800-seat amphitheatre, an aviary, and boating zones. The park aims to serve not only as a green lung for Dehradun but also as a national symbol of environmental responsibility," Gupta said.
Across all three zones, biodiversity revival and protection form the backbone of the estate's mission.
"Native trees have been replanted in previously degraded areas, grasslands left untouched to encourage pollinators, and wetlands restored to support amphibians, birds, and aquatic life," she explained.
Interpretive boards throughout the estate help visitors understand these efforts, explaining how the estate's unique microclimate supports the Doon Valley's watershed, why preserving native bee species is essential for agriculture, and how small-scale ecological interventions can create long-lasting environmental impacts, Gupta said.
"Whether it's a school group tracing the life of a President, a nature enthusiast exploring local flora, or a family enjoying open green spaces, the estate offers a layered and immersive experience. Here, heritage and ecology coalesce, creating a space that is intellectually enriching, emotionally grounding, and environmentally responsible," she added.
Gupta says the estate stands as a living symbol of sustainability, legacy, and democracy, inviting every citizen to walk its paths, learn from its trees, and become part of a greener, more inclusive India.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
President inaugurates Rashtrapati Niketan, Tapovan on 67th birthday
Dehradun: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday inaugurated part of the Presidential Retreat in Dehradun, now renamed Rashtrapati Niketan, on her 67th birthday and Rashtrapati Tapovan which will be open for public viewing from June 24. The president, who is on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand that began Thursday, also laid the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre public garden at Rashtrapati Niketan. She also visited the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) and was moved to tears when a group of visually impaired children sang for her on her birthday. Union Minister for social justice and empowerment, Virendra Kumar was also present on the occasion. "The progress of a country or society can be judged by the way it treats persons with disabilities," she said. "India's history is full of inspiring incidents of sensitivity and inclusiveness. Elements of human compassion and love have always been present in our culture and civilisation. Through the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, which focuses on creating an accessible physical, transport, information, and communication ecosystem, the govt is striving for empowerment and equal participation of the divyangjan. " She added, "Today's era is one of science and technology. With the help of advanced tools, even people with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to the mainstream. Society must support and encourage them in every sphere." Later, Murmu inaugurated the Rashtrapati Niketan in the presence of Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) and chief minister Dhami. She also released a postage stamp marking 125 years of the Raj Bhavan in Nainital. The 172-acre Presidential Estate has been transformed from an exclusive retreat into a public space celebrating biodiversity, heritage, and sustainability. Established in 1838 as a camp for the Governor General's Bodyguard, the estate later served as a private retreat for India's presidents. For decades, its serene orchards, colonial stables, and forest trails remained off-limits to the public till the creation of Rashtrapati Niketan, Rashtrapati Tapovan, and Rashtrapati Udyan. Spread across 21 acres, Niketan blends natural beauty with heritage. It now features a 200-seat amphitheatre and visitor amenities designed to foster cultural engagement and reflection. Its corridors showcase curated archival photographs from the Presidential Archives, offering glimpses into key moments of India's history and the evolving role of the presidency. The presidential rooms have been adorned with Uttarakhand's traditional art including Pahari miniatures, Aipan designs, and local crafts reflecting the region's cultural richness. Rashtrapati Tapovan, developed in collaboration with the Uttarakhand forest department, is a serene forest zone inspired by India's ancient tradition of learning in nature. It features silent zones, forest trails, meditation huts, shaded pergolas, and hosts 117 plant species, 52 butterflies, 41 bird species, and seven wild mammals, including protected species. Natural bamboo groves and undisturbed woodland ecosystems enrich the landscape. While Tapovan will open to the public on June 24 while Niketan will open on July 1. Biodiversity conservation lies at the core of the experience. Visitors can join expert-led walks to explore native medicinal plants, understand forest ecology, and learn from local ecological knowledge. Rashtrapati Udyan, for which the president laid a foundation stone, is a 132-acre sustainable public park designed through public consultation. It will include walking and cycling tracks, butterfly domes, an 800-seat amphitheatre, an aviary, and boating zones. Intended as a green lung for Dehradun, it also aims to serve as a national symbol of environmental responsibility. Officials said biodiversity restoration is central across all three zones. Native trees have been replanted, degraded grasslands left untouched to encourage pollinators, and wetlands revived to support amphibians, birds, and aquatic life. Interpretive boards throughout the estate explain these efforts: how the estate's microclimate supports the Doon Valley watershed, why native bees are vital for agriculture, and how small ecological interventions can have lasting impact. Heritage and ecology come together here to create a space that is intellectually enriching, emotionally grounding, and environmentally conscious. A book documenting the biodiversity of Rashtrapati Niketan, Tapovan, and Udyan was also released on the occasion. It catalogues over 300 species of flora and 170 species of fauna, including butterflies, birds, and mammals found across the estate.
News18
37 minutes ago
- News18
India Weighs Disruption Scenarios In Strait Of Hormuz, Prepares Backup Plans
Last Updated: Commerce Secretary meets officials and exporters as Iran Israel conflict threatens global oil chokepoint. The government is well prepared as far as the possibility of the closure of the critical trade route of Strait of Hormuz is concerned. This narrow stretch of sea might seem far from India but what happens there can directly impact your fuel bill, business and even stock market investments. The Strait of Hormuz is located between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the south. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and then to the Arabian Sea. In view of the fact that trade could be affected or the stakeholders and exporters may have to look for new routes which need not be cost effective the commerce ministry held a meeting with the stakeholders. Sources say that the Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal held a meeting with concerned stakeholders and departments to discuss the impact of the Iran Israel conflict on India's trade and the actions needed to normalise it. The participants were informed that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is at present stable, but nothing was being left to chance. The ship reporting system has been put in place to monitor any incidents. The freight and insurance rates are also being closely monitored. Apart from this the Commerce Secretary also stressed on the need to assess the evolving situation and its impact on Indian EXIM trade. He also highlighted the importance of exploring all possible alternatives in response to the situation. Sources said that India is also actively exploring alternative crude supply routes beyond the Persian Gulf to avoid short term disruptions if geopolitical tensions worsen. If implemented these decisions could impact major fuel importing nations from Singapore to the US. India is one of the largest exporters of petroleum products. In a worst-case scenario involving the closure of Hormuz government sources said these exports could be curtailed to maintain India's internal reserves and also to ensure we don't fall short of oil supplies. The government at the meeting today was optimistic of the fact that in the last 50 years despite crisis the Strait has never closed down. And with China using this route in a big way and extensively Iran may not be keen to close the Strait. But the Commerce Ministry is taking no chances and is closely monitoring the situation. First Published:
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
US is 'friend' to others only when its own interests are served: J&K CM's jibe over Trump-Munir lunch; suggests solution to end Middle-East conflict
J&K CM Omar Abdullah (Image credit: ANI) NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah criticised the United States foreign policy, reacting to the recent hosting of Pakistan Army Chief Asif Munir by US President Donald Trump for lunch at the White House. "But clearly, America acts only in its own benefit and has no regard for any other country," he told reporters at Srinagar railway station after returning from Jammu. Abdullah had travelled to Jammu on the newly inaugurated Vande Bharat train from Srinagar to Katra, accompanied by his father, Farooq Abdullah. When asked about the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the National Conference leader called for an immediate halt to the war and the issue must be resolved through dialogue. "This bombing should not have started. Before this, when the American intelligence in-charge was asked if Iran had the nuclear bomb, he had said he did not think Iran could make a bomb for a long time. But Israel attacked Iran within a few months. This attack should stop and the issues resolved through talks," he said. Speaking on the situation of Indian students in Iran, Abdullah assured that efforts are being made to bring them home safely. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists: 1 Teaspoon of This Before Bed Melts Belly Fat Like Crazy Hollywood News | USA Click Here Undo "We cannot bring them back overnight, as airports and ports are closed. We are bringing them via road first to those cities where there is no bombing, then they are being brought back through Armenia. " "We are hopeful that today, 300-400 students are returning, a majority of whom are from J&K. We will bring them home safely," the CM added.
