President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun, opening both historic estates to public access for the first time. She also laid the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre net-zero public park designed to be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. The initiatives reflect a broader push to integrate ecological preservation, heritage, and inclusive public engagement.
Rashtrapati Tapovan, a 19-acre forested retreat on Rajpur Road, features over 100 plant species and diverse wildlife, while Rashtrapati Niketan, established in 1976, spans 21 acres and includes heritage buildings, lily ponds, and orchards. The President also inaugurated visitor amenities including a facilitation center, cafeteria, souvenir shop, and an amphitheater.
A biodiversity compendium cataloguing over 300 plant and 170 animal species across the three sites was released during the event. Public access to Tapovan and Niketan will begin on June 24 and July 1 respectively.
The President also visited the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities, where she emphasized the importance of inclusive development and the role of technology in enabling equal participation. She praised the institute’s efforts in providing holistic education and urged society to support persons with disabilities in all spheres of life. Her remarks underscored the government’s commitment to accessibility through initiatives like Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan.
