Dehradun, June 20, 2025: In a significant step towards promoting ecological consciousness, cultural heritage, and inclusive development, President of India Droupadi Murmu today inaugurated Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun. These Presidential estates, nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, will now be open to the public from June 24 and July 1 respectively.

The President also launched key public amenities including a Visitor Facilitation Centre, Cafeteria, and Souvenir Shop, while laying the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan — a visionary 132-acre Net-Zero public park designed to be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. She also inaugurated an open-air amphitheatre at Rashtrapati Niketan on June 19.

A Glimpse into the Presidential Retreats-

Rashtrapati Tapovan, spread across 19 acres on Rajpur Road, is a unique Presidential retreat emphasizing spiritual harmony and biodiversity conservation. The estate boasts 117 plant species, 52 types of butterflies, 41 bird species, and 7 wild mammals — many of them protected — amidst pristine bamboo groves and native Himalayan flora.

Rashtrapati Niketan, originally established in 1976 as a summer retreat and with roots tracing back to 1838, spans 21 acres and showcases colonial-era buildings, lily ponds, stables, and vibrant orchards.

The proposed Rashtrapati Udyan, a state-of-the-art eco-park, will serve as a model of sustainability, accessibility, and community wellness. Envisioned as a hub of culture and civic engagement, it reflects the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive public spaces.

Book on Biodiversity Unveiled-

A comprehensive book documenting the rich biodiversity of Rashtrapati Tapovan, Rashtrapati Niketan, and the upcoming Udyan was released during the occasion. The book catalogues over 300 species of flora and 170 species of fauna, including birds, butterflies, and mammals, underscoring the ecological importance of these Presidential estates.

President’s Visit to National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD)-

As part of her visit to Dehradun, President Murmu also visited the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities, where she interacted with students, toured the science and computer labs, and observed an exhibition showcasing assistive technologies.

Speaking on the occasion, the President emphasized that a society’s progress is reflected in how it treats persons with disabilities. She praised the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan for its efforts in building accessible infrastructure, transportation, and communication ecosystems.

“India’s culture has always embraced inclusiveness and compassion,” the President stated. “With the power of modern science and technology, persons with disabilities can become active contributors to national progress.”

She lauded NIEPVD’s inclusive education system and commitment to technological empowerment, calling upon society to continue encouraging the full participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life.