Srinagar | WTNS | Agha Syed Amin Musvi | March 01:As fierce winds swept through Kashmir on Friday, leaving a trail of damage and disrupting daily life, a different spectacle unfolded in the heart of the Valley—Asia’s largest Tulip Garden opened its doors, offering a vibrant contrast to the storm’s fury.
With gusts reaching 27 knots, the powerful windstorm forced 19 flight cancellations at Srinagar International Airport, stranding passengers and disrupting travel plans. Officials reported that 15 arrivals and 14 departures were impacted between 6:30 a.m. and 7:40 p.m., with IndiGo grounding all flights for the day.
Beyond air travel, the storm left its mark across Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam. Near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Srinagar, a large tree collapsed onto a vehicle, completely destroying it. Downed power lines resulted in widespread outages overnight, as utility crews scrambled to restore service.
“Falling trees and debris have caused major disruptions to power lines in multiple areas,” said Er Aaquib SW Deva, Chief Engineer of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL). “Our teams are working to restore electricity as quickly as possible.”
When Tulip Garden overtakes over furious night But while storm clouds loomed over Kashmir, a different story was unfolding just miles away. In the foothills of the Zurbaran Range, against the backdrop of Dal Lake, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden opened for the season, unveiling 17 lakh tulips in 74 varieties.
A labour-intensive project, the garden’s success is credited to 100 dedicated gardeners, whose year-round work ensures a breath-taking floral display. Many of the tulips, imported from Holland, require precise temperatures of 17-18°C to flourish.
“With over 18,000 visitors on opening day, the Tulip Garden remains one of the biggest draws for tourists in Kashmir,” said a senior official from the Floriculture Department. “This isn’t just about flowers—it’s a key driver of tourism, benefiting hotels, transport, and local businesses.”
Despite the disruptions caused by the storm, Kashmir’s spirit remains unshaken. While strong winds grounded flights and knocked out power, the blooming tulips serve as a reminder of the region’s enduring beauty and resilience.
The storm may have tested Kashmir, but the flowers continue to bloom—offering a moment of tranquillity in the midst of nature’s unpredictable course.
