CM Omar opens Asia’s largest Tulip Garden

Srinagar, Mar 16: Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, was officially opened for visitors on Monday by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who expressed optimism that the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir would recover after a difficult period last year.

Located on the foothills of the Zabarwan range along the banks of Dal Lake on Cheshma Shahi Road, the sprawling garden was inaugurated in the presence of cabinet ministers and legislators of the National Conference (NC).

Speaking to reporters during the opening ceremony, CM Omar said that the start of the tulip season should bring renewed hope for people associated with the tourism industry.

“This will be a new start for those associated with the tourism industry. They had to go through a very tough phase. However, the situation keeps changing, and we hope that it improves to enable people from outside to come and enjoy the beauty of J&K,” he said.

The CM said that tourism stakeholders across Kashmir had faced challenges last year after several tourist destinations were closed following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people lost their lives.

The tulip garden was among 44 tourist locations that were shut as a precautionary measure.

“With the reopening of places like the tulip garden, we hope to send a positive message that J&K is ready to welcome visitors again,” CM Omar said.

He also spoke about the potential of the floriculture sector in J&K and said efforts were being made to develop it into a viable commercial activity.

“We are working towards making floriculture a commercial venture so that flowers grown here can be exported to other parts of the country,” the CM said.

Highlighting the need for better logistics infrastructure, he said that the absence of a reliable cold-chain system remains a challenge.

“Most things are in place. A reliable cold chain is the issue right now. Once we get that, be it through rail or air, this sector can bloom,” CM Omar said.

He said the government was exploring the possibility of producing tulip bulbs locally instead of importing them from the Netherlands.

“At present we import a large number of tulip bulbs. If we are able to develop them locally, it will reduce costs and also save foreign exchange,” the CM said. “Local cultivation could further strengthen the floriculture industry in the region.” On the issue of security at tourist destinations, he said that necessary measures were being taken to ensure the safety of visitors.

“Those responsible for security will definitely make their presence felt at all the tourist destinations,” CM Omar said. This year the tulip garden opened nearly 10 days ahead of its usual schedule after warmer-than-usual weather led to early blooming of the flowers.

Kashmir witnessed one of the warmest February in decades, prompting the tulips to bloom earlier than expected. Traditionally, the garden opens for visitors during the last week of March.

Officials from the Floriculture Department said more than 70 varieties of tulips had been planted in the garden this season. To enhance the visual appeal, the density of bulbs has also been increased, with more than 1.8 million bulbs planted across the terraced garden.

In addition to the floral display, cultural events and activities have been planned to attract visitors during the blooming season.

The opening day witnessed an enthusiastic response as large numbers of tourists and local residents gathered outside the garden gates well before the formal inauguration, eager to witness the colourful display of tulips that marks the arrival of spring in Kashmir.