Srinagar, Sep 16 (KNO): Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg on Tuesday said the administration is working on a priority basis to ensure the smooth movement of fruit-laden trucks from Kashmir, while also maintaining the supply of essential commodities into the valley.
Speaking to reporters in Shopian, the Div Com, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), confirmed that 2,200 fruit-laden trucks were successfully evacuated via the Mughal Road during the past 24 hours.
He said the government is sensitive to the concerns of fruit growers and traders and is making every effort to minimise their losses during the ongoing harvest season.
Garg undertook a comprehensive visit to Peer Ki Gali Mughal Road to ensure the smooth movement of fruit trucks. He visited the Fruit Mandi in Shopian and interacted with growers, traders, and transporters to assess the difficulties faced in transportation.
“The administration is there for the people. Our top priority is to clear the stranded fruit-laden trucks so that produce reaches the markets on time. At the same time, we have to ensure that essential supplies, including food grains and fuel, continue to reach the valley without disruption,” he said.
The Div Com added that 10-tyre trucks are being allowed movement via Mughal Road as part of a coordinated approach to ease congestion on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), which continues to face disruptions.
“All government departments are working in close coordination. Timing relaxation is being given from the Shopian side so that as many fruit-laden vehicles as possible can move out. However, we also need to balance it with the requirement of essential commodities coming into Kashmir. That is why a one-day up, one-day down traffic schedule is being followed,” he said.
Garg assured the fruit growers that the administration is committed to ensuring a hassle-free transportation season. He directed concerned officials to remain in constant touch with farmers and traders to resolve their issues on priority. "Efforts are being made to fully restore traffic on NH-44, which is vital for the valley’s economic activity," he added.
The Div Com said the Mughal Road is being used extensively to divert fruit trucks, thereby preventing further losses. He urged all stakeholders to adhere to traffic regulations and designated movement timings to maintain order and ensure continuous flow along the Mughal Road.
The restoration work on the National Highway (NH), he said, is being carried out on a war footing to enhance connectivity.
Addressing concerns about damages incurred due to delays, the Divisional Commissioner said the government has already initiated steps to assess the losses suffered by fruit growers due to prolonged highway disruptions.
“The damage assessment process will be taken forward, and we are hopeful that adequate compensation will be provided to the affected farmers,” he said—(KNO)