Covid-19 lockdown: Revenue generation from parks in south Kashmir witnesses steep slide
Seven major parks generated one lakh as revenue
Anantnag: The Covid-19 lockdown has hit the revenue generated by the floriculture department from various famed parks located in south Kashmir.
The lock down which has hit almost every sector in Jammu and Kashmir has left a indelible mark on the revenue generated from visitors who used to flock to these parks in various locations in south Kashmir.
Officials said that due to covid-19 lockdown, the revenue generated from parks under floriculture sector is very low.
In famous tourist resort Pahalgam, floriculture department has seven parks including Poshwan Park, Akad Park, Ashmuqam Park, Lidder view Park, Club Park and Island park under its control. These parks were generating revenue of over 30 lakh per year.
“But this year the revenue has not even crossed one lakh so far,” said an official.
“Despite clampdown after August 05 last year, these seven major parks in south Kashmir region generated revenue of around 35 lakh. But this year the revenue generated is abysmally low,” Assistant Director floriculture, Mohammed Hussain said.
“This year due to the less flow of tourists and locals, these parks have hardly generated any revenue,” he added.
Notably, the government spends hefty amounts on maintenance of these parks and the parks also attract tourists and locals in good numbers.
“After the government decided to open parks and gardens, a large number of people started to visit the parks which created some enthusiasm among the officials here. But after Covid-19 cases witnessed a surge the flow of visitors dried up completely,” added Hussain.
Pertinently, Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden located at the foothills of Zabarwan hills in Srinagar witnessed zero flow of tourists this year due to lock down. The clampdown resulted in loss worth crores as no visitor could make it to the famed garden.
Jahangeer Ganaie
