Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 8: Even as the Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks unveiled Jammu and Kashmir’s first Chrysanthemum Theme Garden inside the beautiful Botanical Garden in Srinagar, the visitors on Saturday were greeted by an unexpected sight of stray dogs wandering freely across the lawns.
Spread over nearly 100 kanals on the foothills of the Zabarwan range, the newly developed garden has become a major autumn attraction for both locals and tourists. However, the sight of stray dogs moving among the flowerbeds has upset many visitors, who say it spoils the beauty and safety of the place.
“It is disturbing to see dogs running around in such a beautiful public garden. The space is meant for families and children, not stray animals,” said Shabir Ahmad, a visitor from downtown Srinagar.
“We came to see flowers, not to worry about getting chased,” he added.
Other visitors said the issue reflects wider civic neglect. “Almost every park in Srinagar has stray dogs now. If the Floriculture Department can maintain exotic flower beds, surely they can ensure basic safety for visitors,” said another visitor.
It is worth mentioning that on October 25, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated Kashmir’s first Chrysanthemum Theme Garden. Senior officials had also visited the site to review its development and arrangements.
However, just days after the high-profile visit, the ground reality presents a different picture with unattended dogs seen roaming near the flower installations and benches.
