Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday said Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing tourism boom as in just the first two months of the year 2023, around 4.70 lakh tourists have visited the UT as the administration expects another record number of tourist arrivals in the ensuing year.
The LieutenantGovernorManoj Sinha on Sunday evening threw open Asia’s largest tulip garden, located between Dal Lake and the Zabarwan hills in Srinagar. During the opening ceremony, the LGinvited people across the world to visit Jammu and Kashmir to discover the mesmerizing view of tulips.
Addressing the gathering at the tulip garden, LG Manoj Sinha said that this year, 16 lakh tulips are in full bloom in the garden, with 68 types. 30 hectares of land make up the garden. “I’m happy to say that Patnitop now has a second tulip garden with 2.5 lakh blooming tulips The two gardens are being worked on to be open all year,” LG stated. He expressed his gratitude to the gardeners for their dedication and quick preparation of the garden.
In a tweet LG wrote, “Attended the opening ceremony of Asia’s largest tulip garden in Srinagar. I invite people from all over the world to visit J&K and discover the mesmerizing beauty of 16 lakh tulip flowers and enjoy the warm hospitality of our people.”
The Lt Governor acknowledged the efforts of hundreds of gardeners and workers engaged in the tulip garden.
“Last year, an unprecedented 3.60 lakh tourists visited the Tulip Garden, and I believe the number will further increase this year,” he noted.
“A record 1.88 crore tourists visited Jammu Kashmir last year. This year, in the first two months 4.70 lakh tourists came to J&K which benefitted lakhs of families associated with the tourism sector. Sanasar Tulip Garden with 2.75 lakh tulip bulbs of 25 varieties will also welcome the tourists coming to the region,” said the Lt Governor.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor inaugurated 175 meters long extension of water channel at the 4th and 5th terrace of Tulip Garden extending the existing 300-meter water channel to 475 meters, and a high-rise fountain at 5th terrace.
Meanwhile, the Lt Governor directed the Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir to make arrangements for growing Tulip’s planting material in J&K instead of relying on imports. The effort will ensure that J&K is able to tap the Rs 400 Cr market of Tulips in the country, he said.
The Lt Governor also shared the transformational journey of Jammu Kashmir over the past three years.
“Administrative Reforms, increased Industrial investments, accelerated pace of project completion, seamless access to government services, better facilities for the people of J&K, and the increased number of tourists, empowerment of youth, women and common man have laid the solid foundation for the socio-economic development of Jammu Kashmir,” he added..
“Prime Minister has always shown us the path to work for the common man and not for the select few. I want to tell those who have amassed wealth for their generations through wrongful means that the time has changed. Today, the government is working towards the welfare of the people and safeguarding the interest of the common man,” said the Lt Governor.
“Government land belongs to the government only and not to any individual. The state land retrieved from the illegal occupants will be utilized for public use, building schools, hospitals, playfields, industries and burial grounds,” added the Lt Governor.
The Daffodil Park in the central lawn area has also been developed and the illumination of the Garden added to the attraction of the visitors. Online ticketing facility for smooth and hassle-free ticketing is also in place to facilitate visitors and avoid any inconvenience to them.
A ramp has been created at the exit gate and path, along with a sufficient number of wheelchairs for the convenience of specially-abled and senior citizens.
Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; senior officials of Police and Civil Administration and tourists in large numbers were present.