Kashmir may soon have its own ‘Srinagar Eye,’ similar to the ‘London Eye.’ According to sources, the government intends to build a massive Ferris wheel on a small island in the middle of Srinagar’s Dal Lake.
If approved, the move could attract a large number of tourists while also sending a strong message to Kashmir, with the Ferris wheel becoming a new symbol of ‘normalcy,’ according to a senior central government official. This comes on the heels of Srinagar receiving its first multiplex last month, where movies are now being screened.
EYE-OPENER
Dole Demb, a land mass within Dal Lake that is planned to be developed as an exclusive area for recreational activities, is being considered as a potential location for the giant Ferris wheel. This island is approximately 2.5 kilometres long. Dole Demb will be developed to promote ‘high-end tourism,’ with large-scale development that is environmentally friendly.
The J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority sought global expertise last week to conduct a pre-feasibility study for the Dal Lake Ferris wheel project. Global experts will conduct a detailed analysis of giant Ferris wheel projects with a minimum diameter of 100 metres around the world.
The pre-feasibility study, if it gives a green signal, would lead to a techno-economic feasibility study, preparation of a detailed project report, a tender, and finally selection of an agency for executing the project. The Ferris wheel could act as an impetus for the 775 houseboats in the Dal and Nagin lakes, with a capacity of over 5,000 tourists, and the shikaras.
WHY DAL LAKE?
The Dal Lake is Kashmir’s most popular tourist destination, and it’s a sight to see with the mountain ridges reflected in its waters. It is most popular in the spring and in the month of October. The Ferris wheel would provide tourists with a bird’s-eye view of Srinagar city, including the famous Takht-i-Sulaiman hill, the hills of Hari Parbat, and the snow-capped mountains that encircle the Valley.
The lake is also unique in that it may be the only one in the world where a large number of people live. The government has been working on beautifying Dal Lake, with projects such as upgrading aerators/fountains and purchasing new de-weeding machines.
The Dal Lake is Kashmir’s most popular tourist attraction, and it’s a sight to see with the mountain ridges reflected in its waters. It is most popular in the spring and October. Tourists would be able to get a bird’s-eye view of Srinagar city from the Ferris wheel, including the famous Takht-i-Sulaiman hill, the hills of Hari Parbat, and the snow-capped mountains that encircle the Valley.
The lake is also unique in that it is possibly the only one in the world where a large number of people live. The government has been working on beautifying Dal Lake, with projects such as upgrading the aerators/fountains and purchasing new de-weeding machines.
