SRINAGAR, MARCH 25 (KNO) : Minister for Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Floriculture, Javed Mustafa Mir along with Minister for Tourism, Tasaduq Hussain Mufti today formally declared Tulip garden open for visitors here.
People in thousands thronged the garden to enjoy the beauty of blooming tulips on the sprawling lawns of the Tulip Garden located at the foothills of Zabarwan. On the occasion, Floriculture Minister said "all visitors are our guests and their place is in our hearts,” .
He also said that Tourism department is taking concerted efforts to promote the state as a major tourism destination and woo domestic as well as foreign tourists to the State. He also appreciated the Floriculture Department for working hard over the years to make Tulip garden one of the major attractions for tourists. MLA Sonwar Muhammad Ashraf Mir, Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Floriculture Talat Parvez, Director Tourism Mehmood Shah, Director Floriculture Kashmir Mathoora Masoom and other concerned were present on the occasion.
Director Floriculture Kashmir said that Department has planted 12.25 lakh tulip bulbs spread over 200 kanals this year and extension of Tulip garden has been undertaken by way of growing other plants like Hyacinths, Daffodils, Narcissus and other ornamental plants. In this season, 40,000 Hyacinth tulip bulbs are planted in a separate terrace and further fresh plantation is in full swing, she said. In order to beautify the landscape, Masoom said that additional green spaces are being created to attract more visitors to Asia’s largest Tulip garden .
A number of decorated kiosks and stalls showcasing handicrafts and cuisine of the Valley with traditional, ethnic touch were also set up for the occasion. A water canal running parallel to the Tulip lawns is one of the major attractions besides an art gallery for art lovers at the garden. The department has also provided free Wi-Fi services inside the garden. (KNO)