Rashtrapati Bhawan to boast of 'nature trail'

New Delhi (PTI): The palatial Rashtrapati Bhawan will soon have a 'Nature Trail,' on the lines of a mini-ecosystem at the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister.

"Showcasing the rich biodiversity having scenic beauty, indigenous and exotic trees and birds, reptiles and small mammals besides pheasants, the trail will ensure a best and richest treat for the green lovers," Christy L Fernandes, Secretary to the President, told PTI.

He said the nature walk will be organised every Saturday for the visitors arriving to watch Ceremonial Changing of the Guard organised at the forecourt of the Bhawan.

As per plan "around 2 km-long walk will be developed starting from Dahikhana till the Golf Course. The visitors will get a glimpse of rich assortment of flora and fauna flourishing at the Estate on the way," Fernandez said.

C R Babu, emeritus at Delhi University's Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Eco-system instrumental in developing the concept, said that the trail will cover around 50 hectares of green landscape of the erstwhile viceregal lodge exposing rare and exotic birds such as hornbill and animals like deer, jackal and peacocks.

"On the way, there will be water settlements to highlight aquatic life, a butterfly garden which we envisage to develop to enrich the biodiversity of the area.

"We will try and ensure that we don't disturb any living creature when we plan the planting pattern of the garden," Babu added.

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