Omar Abdullah inaugurates Chrysanthemum Garden in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday inaugurated Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood (Chrysanthemum Theme Garden) at the picturesque Botanical Garden in Srinagar.

A government spokesperson said it marks a “new milestone in the Valley’s tourism and floriculture landscape.”

“Developed at a cost of Rs 1.8 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 colour and charm into the Valley’s tourism calendar during the autumn months,” the spokesperson added.

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.”

During the event, Omar commended the efforts of the Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens, and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) for their collaborative 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.”

The CM 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 said

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.