Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Mar 4: Around 1.2 million tulips of 62-varieties will bloom in Asia’s largest Tulip garden by the end of the month in Srinagar in the lap of Zabarwan hills overlooking Dal lake.
Around 1.2 million tulips of 62-varieties are likely to bloom in the garden in the last week of March ahead of schedule and authorities are contemplating to open it for tourists on March 20.
Last year, the garden remained closed due to COVID-19 causing a loss of around Rs 5 crores. The opening of the garden will give impetus to tourism which has been badly hit by the two consecutive bad seasons.
Director Floriculture, Farooq Rather told Excelsior that they were expecting the early opening of the tulip garden this year due to a slight temperature rise. “We are expecting an early opening if the temperature remains good. However, we have taken no decision regarding it,” he said, adding that tulip bloom would also depend on the temperature.
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The work in Tulip garden is in full swing, with the department introducing new verities and designs to attract tourist to enjoy the spring bloom.
Around 100-gardeners who have been employed to take care of the flower beds said that they are working hard to make the garden more beautiful. “Last year we missed the admirers of our work as none visited the garden due to COVID-19. We are hopeful that the garden will attract more tourists as we have worked very hard on it,” Mohammad Shafi, a gardener said.
This year, the Government is mulling to hold an 8-day tulip festival to attract more tourists. The department has also introduced new varieties and different themes for the beautification of the garden. In addition, the garden area has been extended by constructing a terrace water channel and fountains.
Besides tulips, the garden is home to several flower species like Daffodils, Hyacinths, Roses, Ranunculi, Muscaria and Iris. The blossoms of apricot and peach on the Zabarwan hills further enhances the beauty of the garden.
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