Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood (Chrysanthemum Theme Garden) at the picturesque Botanical Garden in Srinagar, marking a new milestone in the Valley’s tourism and floriculture landscape, an official press release informed.
Developed at a cost of ₹1.869 crore, the Chrysanthemum Theme Garden spans over 100 kanals and is envisioned as a major autumn attraction in Kashmir. With its vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, red, pink, and purple, the garden promises to infuse new color and charm into the Valley’s tourism calendar during the autumn months, the press release said.
It said the Chief Minister cut the ceremonial ribbon and declared the garden open to the public, describing it as “a floral celebration that adds a new chapter to Kashmir’s tourism story.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister commended the efforts of the Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens for its role in establishing the theme garden.
He noted that the initiative would “address the off-season gap in tourism and enhance the autumn experience for visitors.”
Omar Abdullah recalled that he had laid the foundation stone of Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood in November last year, drawing parallels with the success of the Tulip Garden. “Just as the Tulip Garden transformed the spring tourist season, the Chrysanthemum Garden will redefine autumn tourism in Kashmir,” he remarked.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition featuring a wide range of ornamental, lavender, and other floral varieties cultivated by local growers with departmental support. He interacted with the floriculturists and appreciated the dedication and craftsmanship of the gardeners and field staff whose efforts brought the blooms to life.
The event 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 other senior officials.
Everyone knows who betrayed us: CM on Rajya Sabha polls
…but refuses to make names public
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said almost everyone knows the names of MLAs who “betrayed us” and voted for the BJP in the Rajya Sabha elections.
Speaking to the media here, the CM, as reported by news agency KNO, termed the outcome as “unfortunate” but chose not to name those responsible, saying their identities are “now widely recognised”.
He thanked the members, especially of Congress, and others for voting in favour of the NC candidates. “I am satisfied that at least not even a single vote from our party was wasted,” he said.
Omar Abdullah said those who participated in meetings and enjoyed hospitality with the BJP should have openly declared their support for that party. “Like MLA Handwara (Sajad Gani Lone), who opted to abstain as he didn’t want to harm the BJP, these members too should have openly supported that party,” he said.
The CM also said that party leaders who won the Rajya Sabha elections will raise their concerns in Parliament about issues such as statehood and special status.
