Srinagar : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the Chrysanthemum Garden, popularly known as Bagh-e-Gul-Dawood, in Srinagar and launched several power, road and civic infrastructure projects worth a combined ₹24.75 crore in Budgam district.

Developed as a major autumn tourism attraction, Bagh-e-Gul-Dawood features 3.5 lakh locally produced plants representing more than 70 varieties, expected to bloom into nearly 12 million blossoms. The garden has been upgraded with expanded flower beds, colourful floral displays, water features, selfie points and modern visitor amenities.

The Chief Minister invited tourists from across the country and people from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir to visit the garden and experience its floral beauty, describing it as a new chapter in the promotion of autumn tourism in Kashmir.

Agriculture Production Minister Javed Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Srinagar district MLAs were present during the inauguration.

During his visit to Budgam, the Chief Minister also laid foundation stones for power infrastructure projects worth over ₹10.42 crore aimed at improving electricity supply, strengthening distribution capacity and upgrading local grid infrastructure.

The projects include a 33/11 KV, 1×10 MVA receiving station, an electric workshop at Sub-Division Beerwah and a sub-divisional office building at Sonpah.

In Beerwah, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for civic and road infrastructure projects worth ₹14.33 crore. He inaugurated a two-span truss girder bridge over Nallah Sukhnag, with each span measuring 35 metres.

He also laid foundation stones for the beautification of Nallah Sukhnag, including walkways and lighting, and for the overall beautification of Beerwah town.

The projects are aimed at improving connectivity, strengthening public amenities, enhancing electricity reliability and developing public spaces, while also boosting Beerwah’s tourism potential.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Beerwah and senior officers during the visit.

Report By : Danish Mirza