Srinagar, Oct 23 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the lack of distinctive floral attractions during the autumn season had prompted the government to develop Baag-e-Gul-e-Dawood in Srinagar, as part of efforts to extend Kashmir’s tourism season.
Speaking to reportets at the inauguration of the garden’s second edition, Omar said Kashmir had been drawing large numbers of tourists during the spring tulip season for years, but there was no comparable floral attraction to offer visitors during autumn.
“For many years, large numbers of people have been visiting Kashmir for the Tulip Garden. But during this season, we did not have anything special to show them,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the gap in seasonal attractions was one of the main reasons behind developing Baag-e-Gul-e-Dawood, which was introduced by the Floriculture Department last year.
He said the government wanted to expand Kashmir’s tourism calendar rather than rely on attractions confined to a particular season.
Omar said the chrysanthemum garden had witnessed considerable improvement since its introduction and that efforts would continue to develop it further.
He also highlighted the advantage of locally propagating chrysanthemum plants, unlike tulips, whose bulbs have to be sourced from outside the country.
“The plant material of Baag-e-Gul-e-Dawood is our own. We propagate it and multiply it,” he said.
The Chief Minister said new features would be introduced every year to enhance the garden’s appeal and encourage more visitors.
He also invited people from Srinagar and adjoining areas to visit the garden and enjoy its seasonal bloom. (KNS)
