SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday inaugurated Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, Kashmir’s first-ever Chrysanthemum Theme Garden, at the scenic Botanical Garden in Srinagar — marking a significant addition to the Valley’s tourism and floriculture attractions.
Developed at a cost of ₹1.869 crore, the garden stretches across over 100 kanals and is designed to serve as a major autumn tourism highlight in Kashmir. Adorned with thousands of chrysanthemums in hues of yellow, red, pink, and purple, it aims to bring fresh vibrancy to the Valley’s landscape during the fall season.
Unveiling the garden, the Chief Minister described it as “a floral celebration that adds a new chapter to Kashmir’s tourism story.” He praised the Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens for their dedicated efforts in developing the project, noting that the initiative would help bridge the off-season tourism gap and enrich the visitor experience during autumn.
Omar Abdullah recalled that he had laid the foundation stone for Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood in November last year, drawing parallels with the success of the Tulip Garden. “Just as the Tulip Garden revolutionized spring tourism, the Chrysanthemum Garden will redefine autumn tourism in Kashmir,” he said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a floral exhibition showcasing a diverse range of ornamental plants, lavender, and other flower varieties cultivated by local growers with departmental support. He interacted with the floriculturists and commended their craftsmanship and hard work in bringing the garden to life.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture Zubair Ahmed, Secretary Culture, Director Floriculture Kashmir, and several other senior officials.
