Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Monday assured that the administration is taking all necessary measures to facilitate the evacuation of stranded fruit-laden trucks through both the National Highway and the Mughal Road.
He also stated that all valley-bound vehicles carrying essential commodities, including petrol, diesel, and LPG are being facilitated through an SoP to address the requirements of the general public.
Div Com made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting with representatives from various trade bodies and fruit growers' associations.
The meeting was convened to address the challenges faced by the horticulture industry due to the prolonged closure of the National Highway.
On the occasion, he said restoration work on the National Highway is progressing at full pace and that the status will be shared with stakeholders.
During the meeting, traders and growers highlighted the severe losses being incurred as harvested apples remain stranded in orchards and vehicles.
They urged the administration to take swift action to minimize the damage to the region’s vital horticulture industry.
They raised various issues including immediate evacuation of stranded trucks, implementation of one-way traffic on alternate days on the National Highway and Mughal Road, formation of a committee to assess losses suffered by growers and traders, reduction in transportation costs and exemption of GST on perishable goods, railway connectivity between fruit mandis and markets across the country and resolution of issues faced by traders at Azadpur Mandi Delhi.
Additional Member (Marketing & Business Development), Railway Board, Dr. Manoj Singh (IRTS) briefed the stakeholders on the features of the New Parcel service and sought their active collaboration in making the best use of the same for transportation of fruit from valley to Delhi.
While welcoming the initiation of Parcel train services, the stakeholders reiterated the need for stronger logistical linkages and policy support to safeguard the horticulture sector.
The meeting was attended by IGP Traffic Kashmir, Director FCS&CA, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Budgam, Director Industries & Commerce, SSP Traffic Rural, and senior officials from Horticulture, BRO, NHIDCL, and representatives from various trade and fruit growers’ associations.