Srinagar, Nov 06 (KNO): Asia’s second-largest Fruit Mandi, located in north Kashmir’s Sopore, is struggling with a shortage of basic facilities, as traders and truck drivers grapple with poor infrastructure, dust and heavy traffic congestion.
Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), those associated with the Mandi said that despite its essential role in Kashmir’s fruit trade and bringing livelihoods to thousands, the Mandi’s infrastructure has remained largely unchanged for the past 15 years, with water scarcity, lack of sanitation, severe traffic congestion among the notable lacks.
Khalid Aslam, a trader, said it has been more than a year since an overhead water tank was built, but they still don’t have water in the Mandi. "There are no washrooms or rest areas despite the massive influx of people here. The Mandi lacks a reliable water supply, forcing traders to rely on a nearby mosque to meet their needs," Aslam said.
Another trader Siraj ud Din expressed concern over the Mandi’s poor air quality, as dust hangs in the air, making conditions hazardous. “You can’t enter the Mandi without a mask. The dust takes a heavy toll on our health, and despite being Asia’s second-largest Fruit Mandi, the infrastructure hasn’t improved in 15 years,” he said.
Similarly, Aman Deep, a truck driver from Punjab, said drivers are forced to manage traffic on their own, saying there’s no one to control the traffic. "We are left to deal with constant jams. Vendors set up stalls outside the Mandi, worsening the congestion and creating bottlenecks that impede the movement of goods," he said.
Anwar Hussain, a trader from Bangladesh, expressed concern over the Mandi’s lack of development despite the surge in fruit production. “It’s great to see production increasing, but the Mandi infrastructure needs an overhaul to support this growth,” he said, adding that better facilities would benefit both traders and transporters.
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Sopore, S.A. Raina acknowledged the Mandi’s pressing issues. He said directives have been issued to the concerned authorities to clear vendors from outside the Mandi and prevent heavy vehicles from parking along the roadside.
“We are working to ensure drinking water facilities within a month,” Raina said. He urged truckers to use the designated truck yard to help ease congestion—(KNO)