Dehradun: President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the newly developed Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun today, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusive development, and civic engagement. As part of her two-day visit to Uttarakhand, the President also laid the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan at Rashtrapati Niketan and inaugurated key public amenities, including a Visitor Facilitation Centre, a cafeteria, a souvenir shop, and an open-air amphitheater.
Set amid the serene Himalayan foothills along Rajpur Road, Rashtrapati Tapovan is a 19-acre presidential estate envisioned as a spiritual retreat with a strong ecological focus. The area is a dense patch of native forest and serves as a biodiversity haven, hosting 117 plant species, 52 species of butterflies, 41 species of birds, and seven species of wild mammals — including several protected ones. Natural bamboo groves and untouched woodlands further underscore its ecological value.
Adjacent to Tapovan, Rashtrapati Niketan spans 21 acres and carries a rich legacy. Originally established in 1838 as a summer camp for the Governor General’s Bodyguard, it became a Presidential Retreat in 1976. The estate features picturesque lily ponds, historical structures, sprawling orchards, and heritage stables, symbolizing a confluence of tradition, heritage, and sustainability.
President Murmu also launched the development of Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre eco-conscious public park designed as a model of accessibility and environmental responsibility. The Udyan is envisioned to be a Net-Zero facility and fully Divyangjan-friendly. It will serve as a hub for community wellness, cultural activities, and civic pride, further reinforcing the ideals of Jan Bhagidari (public participation).
A commemorative book documenting the biodiversity of Rashtrapati Tapovan, Niketan, and Udyan was also released during the event. The publication highlights over 300 species of flora and 170 species of fauna observed across the three estates, making it a valuable resource for nature enthusiasts and environmental researchers alike.
Both Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan will soon be open to the public — from June 24 and July 1, 2025, respectively — offering citizens a rare opportunity to experience the rich natural and cultural heritage preserved at these presidential estates.
As part of her visit, the President also toured the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun. She interacted with students and visited the model school’s science and computer laboratories, as well as an exhibition showcasing assistive technology and learning tools.
Addressing the gathering at NIEPVD, the President emphasized that a nation’s progress is best measured by how it treats its citizens with disabilities. She noted that India has a longstanding tradition of compassion and inclusivity, and highlighted the government’s Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, which aims to build accessible infrastructure, communication systems, and services for persons with disabilities.
In a special note of encouragement, she applauded the efforts of the NIEPVD in promoting holistic education through the latest technology and inclusive teaching methods. “Today’s era belongs to science and technology,” she said, “and with the right tools and societal support, people with disabilities can contribute significantly to nation-building.”
