Bats, birds to greet Manmohan Singh at new address

Besides bats, one can spot several varieties of birds such as green pigeon, mynah, koel, parakeet, owl, kingfisher and bulbul in the trees in the bungalow. There is also a small  lotus pond in the spacious lawn.

While renovating the bungalow, CPWD was careful about not disturbing the flora and fauna of the property, which has been there since the time of its earlier occupant, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

In fact, Dikshit had made efforts to protect and enrich the ecology of the premises during her stay there, said Lima Rosalind, an environment expert who was involved in the Green Canopy Interpretation Programme for schoolchildren at the bungalow.

“The 3, Motilal Nehru Place bungalow has rich flora and fauna and a ‘Nature Trail' was constructed along the wall of the bungalow to show various kinds of trees, shrubs and birds to the schoolchildren as part of the programme,” said Rosalind, who has also written the book, ‘Flora and Fauna at 3, Motilal Nehru Place'.

CPWD completely renovated and restored the bungalow by re-doing the entire flooring and pillars after Dikshit vacated the accommodation.

While all of his belongings have been shifted to his new address from the official 7, Race Course Road residence of the prime minister, Singh himself will be moving to the 3, Motilal Nehru Place bungalow on May 26, after attending the swearing- in ceremony of Narendra Modi.