Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Sept 22: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg said that 1.36 lakh metric tonnes of fresh fruit have been dispatched from the Valley over the last ten days, with vehicular movement on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway touching 4,000 trucks per day.
Speaking to reporters here, Garg said that the restoration work on the Udhampur stretch of the highway is being expedited, with the Chief Secretary monitoring the progress on a daily basis.
“In the last ten days, under an SOP formulated on the directions of the Chief Secretary, which involves teams from the administration, traffic, NHAI, and BRO, 1.36 lakh metric tonnes of fruit have been dispatched from Kashmir through the National Highway, Mughal Road, and parcel train services,” Garg said.
He explained that under the SOP, 1,500-2,000 trucks carrying fresh fruit, empty containers, and other vehicles leave the Valley towards Jammu daily, using either the NH-44 or the Mughal Road on alternate days.
“Today, the movement on the National Highway is from Srinagar to Jammu, while on the Mughal Road it is from Jammu to Srinagar. The next day, it is reversed so that essential supplies from Jammu to Srinagar remain uninterrupted while the fruit-laden trucks from Kashmir also move smoothly,” he said.
Garg added that the Inspector General of Traffic (IGP) Traffic, along with teams from NHAI and the divisional administration, is on the ground monitoring restoration work at the Udhampur stretch.
“Vehicular movement has picked up-earlier, 1,500-2,000 trucks moved daily, but now it has increased to 3,500-4,000,” he said.
Regarding the Mughal Road, Garg said that nearly 1,800 trucks reached Jammu yesterday, with top priority given to fruit-laden vehicles “so that growers do not face hardships.”
On the parcel train services, he said progress has been made, with 800-1,000 tonnes of fruit dispatched daily to Delhi, with additional loading points also set up in districts.
“There was a demand to start loading from Baramulla and Anantnag, apart from Srinagar. That process has been started, with growers from north Kashmir using Baramulla station and those from south Kashmir using Anantnag station,” he said.
Responding to concerns about essential commodities, Garg dismissed reports of shortages and urged people not to pay heed to rumours and avoid panic buying.
“As of now, we have stock for one week, whether it is petrol, diesel, or LPG. The Food & Civil Supplies Department is ensuring availability and fair distribution,” he said.
“LPG stocks are being replenished regularly. People must not pay heed to rumours-there is sufficient stock, no need for panic buying, and the administration is ensuring there are no difficulties.”
“The Chief Secretary is reviewing highway restoration regularly to accelerate the pace, while ensuring that one-way traffic is streamlined. The Chief Minister has also reviewed the situation and directed coordinated efforts, which are being maintained,” Garg said.
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