This year, the vibrant hues of tulips will not be confined to the manicured lawns and parks of Lutyens' Delhi. In a significant expansion of its annual floral beautification drive, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is set to adorn the precincts of prominent temples, gurdwaras, and other religious sites with these elegant blooms.
Blossoming Beyond Parks: Tulips Grace Sacred Spaces
The civic body has unveiled an ambitious plan to integrate tulips into the green spaces surrounding Delhi's places of worship. Wherever ground space permits, bulbs will be planted directly into the soil, while pots will be used in areas with limited space. This initiative marks a deliberate move to extend the visual appeal of tulips beyond the traditional green belts and public gardens, bringing a splash of colour to spiritual and community hubs across the NDMC area.
Simultaneously, the council plans to use tulips as a medium for thematic messaging in public parks. Elaborate arrangements will form patterns and words to convey central themes such as 'One Nation, One Election' and 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Chahal, speaking at the launch of the plantation drive at Children's Park near C-Hexagon, emphasized the dual purpose of the campaign. He stated that it helps in communicating key government schemes while significantly broadening the footprint of tulip cultivation in the capital.
Overcoming Challenges with Innovation and Scale
Cultivating tulips in Delhi's climate is no small feat. These flowers require a specific cold period for proper sprouting, needing temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius for at least 15 days. To tackle this horticultural challenge, the NDMC has procured pre-treated, ready-to-plant bulbs that are more resilient to variable weather conditions. This innovation ensures that from February onwards, the city will be awash with the vibrant colours of blooming tulips.
The scale of this year's drive is substantial. A total of 5,17,500 tulip bulbs have been procured. The NDMC's share is 3,25,000 bulbs, while the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will plant 1,92,500 bulbs. The NDMC's plantation will cover iconic locations including Shanti Path, Central Park at Connaught Place, Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden, Sardar Patel Marg, and roundabouts near the Vice-President's house.
A Legacy of Firsts and Conservation Efforts
The NDMC pioneered the public display of tulips in India eight years ago, starting with the Children's Park where around 17,000 bulbs were initially planted. Before this, tulips were a rarity, seen primarily at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The flowers typically bud a week before flowering and can bloom for nearly 25 days, depending on weather conditions.
Adding a sustainable angle to the drive, the council will also plant 15,000 bulbs preserved from last year at the Tulip House conservation centre in Lodhi Garden. Furthermore, it has received 20,700 bulbs from the CSIR–IHBT Research Centre in Palampur, integrating indigenous research into its beautification project. This year's initiative promises to transform New Delhi into a breathtaking canvas of floral art, blending aesthetics with thematic resonance.
