Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon today said that opening of Asia's largest Tulip Garden on banks of Dal Lake would help increase tourist influx into the State this year.With tulips in full bloom, the mesmerizing garden was thrown open to visitors and tourists about two weeks ahead of schedule as the Valley experienced relatively warm weather resulting in early bloom.Dr Samoon said that the garden was thrown open to public ahead of schedule as the weather this year advanced the bloom of tulip bulbs. He said early opening of the Garden would give a boost to the tourist industry.During his visit to the garden, Dr Samoon interacted with visitors and sought their feedback on facilities available there. Divisional Commissioner was also accompanied by Director Floriculture Talat Pervez, Director Tourism, Mehmood Ahmad Shah and other senior officers.
On the occasion, Dr Samoon asked Director Tourism, Kashmir and Director Floriculture to help offer best services to tourists and locals. He directed the officials to organize cultural and musical shows, which would enlighten the tourists about the history of the State.Dr Samoon was informed that this year the garden witnessed 30 per cent bloom and about 20 per cent bloom was achieved every day. Director Floriculture said that the department has imported 4.20 lakh fresh bulbs, including 20 new varieties, this year for the 15-hectare garden. He added that the department already had 5.80 lakh old bulbs. It was informed that the garden, in the foothills of Zabarwan Range, has a total of 1.5 million tulips and its opening marks the beginning of new tourism season in Kashmir.The Tulip Garden was opened in 2008. The idea of the garden was conceived to advance the tourism season in the Valley by two months. Tulip Garden is home to about 40 species of tulips including Adrem, Iledifram, Ollioles, Laptop and Purisime.