Shimla, March 11,
Tikender Singh Panwar, former Deputy Mayor of Shimla, has written to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, expressing concern over the ongoing renovation and restoration work at ‘The Retreat’ — the President’s official summer residence in Shimla.
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In his letter, Panwar highlighted that the renovation efforts appear to disregard the ecological sensitivity and historical heritage of the 185-year-old structure. Sharing his observations from a visit to the site on March 11, 2025, he noted the construction of a steel structure near the main gate, which he described as being out of sync with the building’s traditional architecture, primarily made of wood and stone.
“The steel structure is incongruous with the heritage of this iconic building. It disrupts the aesthetic harmony and detracts from the historical significance of The Retreat,” Panwar stated in his letter. He also raised concerns about interior restoration work, criticizing the use of white paint instead of the traditional wood polish, which he said undermines the building’s intrinsic character.
Panwar suggested that the restoration work may not have involved a heritage architect, resulting in decisions that compromise the site’s historical and cultural value. “It is crucial that The Retreat is preserved with due regard for its architectural heritage, historical importance, and ecological integrity,” he urged.
Acknowledging the government’s initiative to make this historic site accessible to the public, Panwar called for immediate attention to these issues to ensure that the restoration aligns with the legacy of The Retreat.
The Retreat, located in Chharabra, about 13 km from Shimla, serves as the President’s summer residence and is an important symbol of India’s colonial and post-independence heritage. It has been a site of numerous presidential visits and holds significant historical value.
Panwar’s letter, along with attached photographs of the ongoing work, brings the focus back to preserving heritage while balancing development — a debate that continues to shape conversations around conservation in Shimla and beyond.
