- Review of the Floriculture, Parks & Gardens Department’s activities
JAMMU, Dec 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a meeting today at the Civil Secretariat to assess the performance of the Floriculture, Parks, and Gardens Department and to devise strategies for maximizing the sector’s potential.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister underscored the significant opportunities available in the floriculture industry, particularly with the upcoming railway connectivity linking Kashmir Valley to the rest of India.
He stressed the necessity of utilizing this new link to promote Kashmiri flowers nationally and internationally.
“Collaboration with progressive growers and various stakeholders is essential to unlock the full potential of this sector,” the Chief Minister stated.
He also instructed the department to plant tulips along the Airport Road to improve the visual appeal and initiate advertising campaigns to draw more tourists to Srinagar’s renowned Tulip Garden.
Earlier in the session, Commissioner Secretary Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad presented a comprehensive overview of the department’s operations, showcasing its achievements and current projects.
Notable highlights included the upcoming Tulip Show 2024, which will feature a record 1.7 million tulips of 72 different varieties, expected to attract 446,000 tourists in March 2024.
The meeting addressed pivotal advances in the floriculture sector, such as the establishment of ornamental cherry tree gardens (Sakura) and the development of a Tulip Garden in Sanasar.
There were also discussions on creating peony and rose gardens at Pahalgam and efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for six historic Mughal Gardens. The conversation further touched on ongoing and planned projects that aim to modernize and enhance the region’s parks and gardens, including upgrades to the Bagh-e-Bahu Garden and the establishment of the Bour Camp Garden in Jammu.
Other significant initiatives discussed were the development of chrysanthemum plantations in Udhampur, enhancements to Badamwari, and the establishment of the Dara Shikoh Garden.
Plans for theme gardens at Gulmarg, development of floriculture nurseries, and a model flower center in Jammu were also on the agenda.
Additionally, the meeting reviewed plans for an amphitheater and beautification projects at Bagh-e-Bahu.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of upgrading and mechanizing garden maintenance to boost efficiency, optimize resources, and generate revenue. He urged the department to prioritize initiatives that would enhance Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism potential while protecting the region’s rich natural heritage.
The Chief Minister reiterated the call for modernizing and mechanizing garden maintenance and focusing on projects that foster tourism while safeguarding the natural environment.
The meeting included Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, ACS to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary of Floriculture, Parks & Gardens Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Directors of Floriculture Kashmir and Jammu, among other officials.
