The Sagam Tulip Garden in Kokernag, Anantnag district, stands as a vibrant testament to Kashmir’s untapped beauty and potential. This floral marvel, now rivaling Srinagar’s Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, owes its existence to visionary leaders at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), whose foresight and dedication brought this dream to life. Pioneers like Dr. Nazir Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, and his team deserve due credit for spearheading this initiative, blending sustainability with tourism to transform South Kashmir. Their efforts have birthed a destination that draws visitors worldwide, proving that innovation can bloom even in overlooked corners. Yet, as tulips paint the landscape with hope, the authorities’ deafening silence on promotion threatens to let this triumph wither—a shameful neglect of both the project and the people it could serve.
For years, Srinagar has hoarded Kashmir’s tourism spotlight, its Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens synonymous with the region’s allure. The Sagam Tulip Garden shifts that gaze, offering breathtaking blooms against a mountainous backdrop, complemented by Kokernag’s springs and meadows. Local economies are stirring—homestays fill, artisans prosper, and transport thrives—evidence of tourism’s transformative power. SKUAST-K’s sustainable ethos, from organic farming to smart irrigation, not only supports this garden but also aligns with *Atmanirbhar Bharat*, reducing reliance on imports. This is a success story authored by determined leaders who saw potential where others saw obscurity.
But where is the fanfare? The authorities—namely the Department of Tourism and the Jammu & Kashmir government—have dropped the ball with inexcusable apathy. Where are the bold advertisements, the billboards, the global campaigns trumpeting this gem? The garden’s rise owes more to word-of-mouth and social media than any official effort. This isn’t mere oversight; it’s a betrayal of the public, who deserve access to such wonders, and a slap to the leaders who toiled to make it happen. Millions visit Srinagar’s tulips yearly—over 4.4 lakh in 2023 alone—yet Kokernag languishes in shadows, its potential stifled by a lack of political spine. The government crows about tourism revenue but starves South Kashmir of the spotlight it’s earned.
This isn’t just about flowers—it’s about equity, opportunity, and pride. The authorities must stop treating South Kashmir like an afterthought. Leaders like those at SKUAST-K lit the spark; it’s the government’s job to fan the flame. Without aggressive promotion, the Sagam Tulip Garden risks becoming a fleeting footnote rather than a lasting legacy. Kashmir’s people and its pioneers deserve better than bureaucratic inertia.
