Restore and Preserve Heritage Gardens, develop commercial Floriculture: Pl. Secretary, Agriculture Prod. & Floriculture Department

Srinagar, February 18- Principal Secretary Agriculture and Floriculture Mrs. Sonali Kumar reviewed the physical progress of developmental works taken up by Floriculture department and visited Mughal Gardens Nishat and Shalimar to take stock of the on-going heritage restoration and preservation works taken up in these gardens few months back. She stressed the need for preparation of detailed project report in consultation with experts of "Indian National Trust of Art Culture and Heritage" (INTACH) Chapter, J&K, for submission to the government, so that such works are taken up with continuity for completion in a phased manner.
Mrs. Sonali Kumar expressed satisfaction to see that the Hamam which is about 600 years old, having scientifically laid heating and insulation, bathing tub, and four adjacent rooms. She directed the Director Floriculture, Dr.G.S.Naqash to use the space in Hamam as museum. During excavation of Hamam, tiles and earthen pots of Mughal period have been dug out which have been preserved. As per reports of INTACH excavated tiles of the Mughal period are first of its kind in the country.
The Principal Secretary also inspected restoration works of the neglected Baradari and fountain system in the 12th terrace of Nishat garden and appreciated the role of the department of Floriculture for taking up these works on a war footing for restoration and preservation of heritage.
Mrs. Sonali Kumar also visited the Plant Introduction Section of the department at Cheshmashahi. She evinced keen interest in development of germ-plasm bank and propagation of different kinds of ornamental plants and flowers under green house cultivation. She also inspected the Tulip Garden and discussed the preparedness of the department for ensuing tulip bloom.
While inspecting the work of the department on commercial development of floriculture in a big way, Dr.Naqash apprised her about the experimental trial taken up for the first time in entire country regarding use of Tulip as cut flower. She was enthused to observe the practical and commercial aspect of the trial and advised Director to show this successful trial to the flower growers for future commercial production of Tulip as cut flower.
While inspecting Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, she ordered its immediate revival and completion before tourist season.