By: Jahangir Sofi
Srinagar: The opening day of Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar witnessed a good number of visitors mainly comprised of tourists from different parts of India.
Mohammad Shafi who works as a gardener in the floriculture department said, during the harsh winters when there was snow all around the garden they had to clear the snow to plant the tulips.
“It takes eleven months for us to prepare the garden and ideally we start the work in the garden for tulips from the November month. It is a very tough job in harsh winter, more than 150 men are involved in preparing the Garden for visitors,” he said.
Another gardener Zahid Ahmad said they had to clear more than 2ft of snow to plant the tulips.
“This year was very tough because of harsh winter,” he said.
Dr Inaam, in charge of the Tulip Garden said the department worked hard this year to open the garden for visitors, especially after not been able to open last year following Covid-19 pandemic.
“Currently 25 per cent tulips have fully bloomed. In the coming days the entire garden will bloom with tulips,” he said.
He said the garden ideally remains open for one month for visitors, however depending upon the weather it may get extended at times.
“The life of the tulip depends upon the weather conditions. The hotter it is, the less will be the life of the tulip,” he said.
Inam also appealed people visiting the garden to follow the Covid-19 SOPs and guidelines. (KNO)
