In what could be a major boost to the tourism sector in the Kashmir Valley, the government is likely to install “Srinagar Eye” on the pattern of famous cantilevered observation wheel “London Eye”, inside the world-famous Dal lake in Srinagar.

Sources said that like “London Eye”, the government is planning to construct “Srinagar Eye” with a giant “Ferris wheel” inside the Dal Lake for the attraction of tourists to the valley, news agency KNO reported.

They said that a location has also been shortlisted for construction of the same and if this goes through, it could become a huge attraction for tourists and will be a major boost to the tourism sector as well in the valley.

The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom with over 3 million visitors annually.

When contacted, the director J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority, Dr Bashir Ahmad Bhat told KNO that the project is at Request for Proposal (R&P) stage and there are various factors to be considered as well before the project could be finalised.

He said that the proposal was made some time back, but they have to consider certain factors like environmental impact assessment, financial modelling and other things before it could be finalised. Bhat also said that it will take time as environmental assessment is yet to be done.—GK