Srinagar: As the harsh winter recedes from the Kashmir Valley, the opening of Asia’s largest tulip garden has once again become a symbol of renewal, tourism and economic hope for the region.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden with a poetic Kashmiri message: “Wande tzale, sheen gali, beyi yi bahaar” (winter will depart, the snow will melt, and spring will arrive again).
Spread across nearly 74 acres at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range overlooking Dal Lake, the garden has opened in a spectacular display of colours with more than 1.8 million tulips of over 70 varieties now in bloom.
Along with tulips, other spring flowers including hyacinths, daffodils, muscari and cyclamen have also been planted to enhance the visual appeal for visitors.
Tourism Boost Expected
The garden, one of Kashmir’s major seasonal tourist attractions, is expected to draw a large number of tourists and locals during the blooming period. Officials believe the floral festival plays a crucial role in boosting the tourism economy after difficult years faced by the sector.
“We hope this spring season brings a new beginning for Jammu and Kashmir and everyone associated with tourism. Just as seasons change, circumstances also change,” the Chief Minister said.
Focus on Floriculture Economy
Abdullah also highlighted efforts to strengthen Kashmir’s floriculture sector by promoting local cultivation of tulip bulbs through Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST).
He said steps are being explored to reduce dependence on imported tulip bulbs from the Netherlands and save foreign exchange by encouraging domestic production.
The Chief Minister also pointed out the need for improved cold chain infrastructure and better logistics through rail and air cargo to help develop a sustainable flower export industry in the region.
From Conflict Years to Tourism Landmark
The tulip garden was established in 2007 during the tenure of former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad with the objective of reviving tourism during a period when militancy had significantly affected visitor inflow.
Over the years, the garden has grown into an international attraction. In 2014, it was ranked the second-best tulip garden in the world by the World Tulip Summit Society.
Preparations for the annual bloom begin months in advance, with hundreds of gardeners working to ensure the garden is ready for the short flowering season. Official figures show that more than 8 lakh visitors toured the garden during last year’s season.
As spring returns to the Valley, the blooming tulips once again stand as a reminder of Kashmir’s natural beauty and its continuing efforts to rebuild tourism and economic activity.
