Famous Wular Lake gets a facelift with a garden

Srinagar, Nov.10 : An enchanting lake view garden, beautifully landscaped with flowerbeds, is the latest attraction at the Wular Lake as the Jammu and Kashmir government has accorded a facelift to it.

This garden has been developed between the Manasbal-Bandipora road, which is about 70 kilometres from Srinagar. This 260 kms lake had always been a major attraction for the tourist as well as the locals who enjoy spending quality time watching the lake.

The floriculture department has plans of making a telescope point in this garden so the visitors can not only watch the Wular Lake but the Manasbal lake as well as some parts of Srinagar.

With vast picturesque hillsides and packed flowering shrubs and trees also adding to the natural beauty of this garden, the local people hope that the garden can attract more tourists.

They also hope the famous Wular Lake, which has been shrinking, will get attention of the concerned authorities to develop it. They hope the lake will attract tourists from across the country and abroad.

The Floriculture Department and the Manasbal Development Authority have joined hands to lend a refreshing look to this scenic lake.

Visitors to the lake today are greeted by pleasing colourful garden all around this second largest fresh water lake in Asia.

"This would be a place from where beauty of Wular Lake can be enjoyed. In case of employment, if this project becomes successful, we can introduce houseboats which will generate income for the unemployed lots," said Mohammad Aslam, a local resident.

With the coming up of this perfectly landscaped garden, the number of locals as well as the tourists coming here has increased at Wular Lake.

Several fountains regale the visitors in the course of their leisurely stroll. A cafeteria caters to the needs of the visitors.

"This place was introduced this year in June. People visit this place from various States to enjoy the beauty of Wular Lake. They appreciate not only the lake but also this park," said Nazir Ahmad Dar, another local.

The expansive picturesque hillsides, packed flowering shrubs and trees have further enriched the panorama of Wular Lake.

"We are beautifying the park, planting new flowers; along with this we have kept a cafeteria for the tourists for refreshments. We have also made two viewpoints for those who are tired and want to enjoy beauty of the lake. The viewpoint canopies are so beautiful that one can not only see Wular Lake from there, but many places of the city can be seen. It is the peak point on the road," said Dr. G S Naqash, Director, Floriculture Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmiris are hopeful and capitalizing on various business opportunities, which are emerging from the beautification of Wular Lake, ranging from hospitality to travel and tourism sectors and also fruits trading to Kashmiri handicrafts and novelties. By Parvez Butt

ANI