By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
The Dehradun Citizens Forum (DCF) has called for developing the proposed Rashtrapati Ashiana Park without cutting any trees keeping it free from any big cement and concrete construction.
In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, the DCF also called for the creation of bird and butterfly parks within the premises.
The DCF, a Dehradun-based environmental organization which is campaigning to expose green issues, in a statement said it has welcomed the decision to renovate the 132 acre Rashtrapati Ashiana located in Dehradun and open it to the public.
The letter describes the decision to open the Rashtrapati Ashiana to the general public as a commendable step, offering citizens the opportunity to enjoy lush green spaces. However, the DCF strongly emphasized the need to preserve the park’s natural greenery and ecological balance during the renovation process.
It further points out that in recent years, Dehradun’s natural beauty has been significantly disrupted due to road construction, housing, and other infrastructure projects. Given Dehradun’s unique geography and ecological fragility, the region cannot sustain large-scale concretization. Unscientific and unplanned urban development has led to extensive concretization, resulting in a continuous drop in groundwater levels and rising temperatures in Dehradun.
The letter urges the President to ensure that no trees are harmed under any circumstances during the park’s re-development. Any such harm would worsen the environmental imbalance that Dehradun is already grappling with.
The forum recommends that the park’s new design be centered around nature. Existing natural trails should be retained, and the renovation should enhance them rather than replace them. The park should serve as a legacy for future generations, with a strong focus on bird and butterfly conservation.
Citing the example of the successful and popular Jabarkhet Estate in Mussoorie, the letter recommends that similar efforts be made to keep this proposed park completely free of concrete and cement. The forum also appreciated the initiative by Rashtrapati Bhavan to seek public feedback on the park’s development and expressed hope that the President’s office would seriously consider the suggestions put forth by the Dehradun Citizens Forum.
The letter has been signed by forum members Anish Lal, Anoop Nautiyal, Anup Badola, Bharti Jain, Jagmohan Mehdiratta, Lokesh Ohri, Radha Chatterjee, and Retu Chatterjee and others.
Dehradun will soon have its first ultra-modern public park with world class amenities at the sprawling 132-acre Rashtrapati Ashiana on Rajpur Road thanks to a new initiative of President Droupadi Murmu.
The President will lay the foundation stone for the park in Dehradun, on June 20. This significant initiative aims to enhance public engagement with Rashtrapati Ashiana while promoting green initiatives, health, and cultural activities.
A detailed project report (DPR) is currently being prepared, ensuring that the park is equipped with world-class amenities, innovative designs, and sustainable infrastructure. Once completed, the park will be dedicated to the people of Uttarakhand.
The park will serve as a vibrant center for environmental conservation, fitness, and cultural activities, aligning with the aspirations of the people of Uttarakhand.
The park, located in the heart of Dehradun, will feature numerous attractions, including a multi-activity zone, cycling tracks, world-class sports facilities, a children’s play area, walking and jogging tracks, a forest-nature trail, and water features. To ensure the park aligns with public expectations, citizens are invited to share their feedback and suggestions via the official Rashtrapati Bhavan website.
The 21-acre Rashtrapati Ashiana complex will be opened to the public on June 20, 2025. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore facilities such as a visitor facilitation center, horse riding, an amphitheater, an art exhibition space, a cafeteria, and a souvenir store.