Srinagar: The department of tourism has decided to run musical fountain and laser show in Dal Lake, three times each evening.

Secretary Tourism Rigzin Samphel said they were encouraged by the huge response from the locals that the department decided to run the show in three shifts 15 minutes duration each from 7 pm every day.

He said that the facility has been commissioned to make the city life lively and provide entertainment to the locals and also to the tourists.

The entry to the show has been kept free through Cheshma Shahi gate.

The laser show which came up at the cost of Rs 6 crores was sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism GoI under Prime Minister’s Developmental Programme (PMDP) Swadesh Darshan Scheme to boost tourism.

“We have kept no entry fee for first 15 days to allow more people to enjoy the show,” said Samphel.

Secretary Tourism said the tourism department is creating adequate infrastructure at all tourist places across J&K so that tourists, as well as locals, have a better experience while visiting the resorts.

He said SKICC is an important venue of the State government to attract MICE tourism and this additional facility will give a boost to the State’s tourism sector.

Pankaj Chedda of Hazel Tours, a leading tour operator from Maharashtra, said there was a lot rush on Friday.

“I had to manage my entry with difficulty. This is good news for us and we will sync our itineraries and tour plans for our clients according to the timings of the laser show. This added attraction in Srinagar will definitely help us sell tour packages in a more attractive way,” he said.