Commissioner Secretary, Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens, Shiekh Fayaz Ahmad today said that Government is mulling to establish theme-based gardens in twin capital cities of Jammu and Kashmir.Speaking to delegations at Public Grievances Camp at Banquet Hall, Srinagar, the Commissioner Secretary said that Government was mulling to establish theme-based gardens and the process in this regard has been initiated at all levels. He said that the Government was all set to identify land for these gardens in Srinagar and Jammu cities. He said that the gardens would be developed on scientific basis—which would help Government to attract huge influx of tourists.He said that this would give impetus to the local entrepreneurship and help them to avail benefits. He said that Government was also maintaining 499 gardens, besides upgrading the heritage gardens, including Mughal gardens across Kashmir region.He said, making uniquely different gardens do not necessarily mean huge expenditure. “Just one little change and the City could well be on its way to be called the paradise in the world of gardens,” he said.Ahmad said that on regular basis, the Department deputes its officials and workers for the Model Training Course (MTC) on advances in Floriculture and Landscaping held across several centres of the country.
He said besides this, training of farmers on plant propagation and nursery management is also carried out by the Department.The Commissioner Secretary said that several initiatives are taken to strengthen the existing network, which boosts the floriculture sector and makes it more focussed and research oriented.“We are making sure that this vital sector gets its due priority,” he said.The Commissioner Secretary said that the famous tulip garden in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar this year would be open for visitors with several new varieties. He said that Government was also mulling to extend the garden with Sakura gardens (early blooming cherry gardens), for which DPRs have been already prepared.Meanwhile, Director, Floriculture, Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Rather said that known as Asia's largest tulip garden, it would house 1.3 million flowers this year with 55 variety flowers.Rather, said that in addition to tulips, flowers of other varieties like daffodils, hyacinths and ranunculus are also grown in the garden. He informed this year some five new varieties have been added, which would add to the breath-taking view of famed garden.The garden, which is spread over 30 hectares of land, is situated in the mesmerizing foothills of the Zabarwan hills on the banks of the Dal Lake.