Srinagar, Oct 10: With the aim of boosting tourism in the valley,the Jammu and Kashmir authorities are mulling over setting up the “Srinagar Eye” on the pattern of the London Eye inside the Dal Lake to allure more tourists to Kashmir.
According to a senior official of the LC&MA, the government has also identified the space at Dole Demb in Dal Lake to install the “Srinagar Eye” on the pattern of famous “London Eye” with a giant Ferris wheel. The work on this project is expected to begin by the end of this month.
He said, “Dol demb, the area for the project work, is in a rectangular shape, having a total length of 2.5 KM and an average width of 0.45 m, is a strategically located land mass inside Dal lake, and as an exclusive place for recreational activities like the Ferris wheel.”
He further said that it is aimed to develop this land mass as an area that will promote high-end eco-tourism, and for such a purpose, large-scale development is required to be carried out to make it environmentally conducive.
The average maintained water level of Dal Lake is 1583.37 m while the formation level of Dole Demb is 1584.37 m. “
The officer, on request of anonymity, told Rising Kashmir that the aim of installing the same is to attract more tourists. He said that the proposal for the said project was sent recently and the work on this project will begin soon, adding, “If everything goes well, the project will be completed by the end of November.”
He also said that to add to Dal Lake’s beautification, the department is also installing modern aerators in the lake. They (aerators) will be brought from Germany and other countries.
The London Eye is the largest cantilevered observation wheel in the world, measuring 135 metres. It was introduced in 2000 after being conceptualized and designed by Marks Barfield Architects.
It has received more than 85 accolades for excellent engineering achievement, national and international tourism, and great architectural excellence. In fact, it has emerged as the most well-liked paid tourist attraction in the UK.
The official went on to say that the project is at the Request for Proposal (R&P) stage and there are various factors to be considered as well before the project can be finalized. The department has also issued a proposal for the appointment of a consultant for conducting a Techno-Economic Feasibility Study for the project.
