Ram Nath Kovind leaves Rashtrapati Nilayam; back in New Delhi

President Ram Nath Kovind Monday concluded his four-day customary 'southern sojourn' here and flew back to New Delhi. Kovind and the first lady Savitha Kovind were given a farewell by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Governor ESL Narasimhan and his wife Vimala Narasimhan at Hakimpet airport here. Telangana Home Minister Mohd Mahmood Ali, chief secretary S K Joshi and other dignitaries were also present. Kovind had arrived here Friday on the 'southern sojourn.

On Sunday, he hosted an 'At Home' party at the Rashtrapati Nilayam. It is customary for the President to visit Rashtrapati Nilayam and conduct official business from there at least once a year. During his visit, the President had discussed with the forest department officials about greening the Rashtrapati Nilayam area spread over 75 acres, an official release said.

The President inaugurated a cascade, palmatum and rock garden this morning, the release said. He appreciated the efforts of the forest department in greening the area and bringing about a transformation of the landscape, it said. About 175 new species of plants were added to enrich the biodiversity at Rashtrapathi Nilayam, the release added.