Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Sept 16: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today said that authorities are ensuring a circular and balanced movement of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH) as well as the Mughal Road.
He informed that over 2,200 fruit-laden trucks were successfully “evacuated” via the Mughal Road during the past 24 hours.
Speaking to reporters, Garg said the administration has put in place a system of “up movement” from the NH and “down movement” from the Mughal Road to maintain a circular flow, allowing empty trucks to return and reload, thereby easing hardships faced by people.
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“We had detailed meetings with the Fruit Growers’ Association across Kashmir. They also met the Lieutenant Governor, while the Chief Secretary reviewed the situation. Since yesterday, over 2,200 fruit-laden trucks that were stranded for the past few days have been cleared,” Garg said.
He undertook a comprehensive visit to Peer Ki Gali on the Mughal Road to ensure smooth movement of fruit trucks.
He also visited Fruit Mandi Aglar, Shopian, where he held detailed interactions with various stakeholders, including fruit growers, traders, transporters, and representatives of the horticulture sector.
Garg said Beacon and Sampark are working on road restoration so that, along with light vehicles, six-tyre and ten-tyre fruit-laden trucks can also be cleared.
“We are ensuring regulation of essentials into Kashmir as well as movement of fruit towards Jammu in a balanced manner,” he said.
Garg noted that intervention by the Chief Secretary has improved regulation, with growers’ associations acknowledging smooth movement of fruit trucks.
On the losses suffered by growers and traders-a concern also raised by stakeholders with the authorities, he said, he is hopeful a policy decision will be taken.
“They have informed authorities about losses, and I am sure there will be a fair assessment and appropriate policy decisions,” he said.
The Divisional Commissioner further said HMVs have been plying on the Mughal Road from Srinagar to Jammu since morning, with all fruit-laden trucks moving smoothly.
“We are also giving relaxation in truck timings towards Jammu for the next few days to avoid any issues,” he added.
He noted that men and machinery are in place, working tirelessly to ensure road restoration and smooth passage of vehicles, especially stranded fruit-laden trucks.
During the visit, the Div Com reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the movement of fruit-laden trucks, along with ensuring uninterrupted supply of fuel and essential commodities to the Valley.
He emphasized that coordinated efforts between civil administration and security agencies led to the swift clearance of fruit vehicles, bringing much-needed respite to the horticulture community.
Expressing appreciation for the prompt action, President of the Fruit Growers & Traders Association, Mohammad Ashraf, extended gratitude to the Chief Secretary J&K for his timely intervention and directions, which facilitated the smooth transportation process.
The Div Com also urged all stakeholders to adhere to traffic regulations and designated movement timings to maintain order and ensure continuous flow along the Mughal Road.
He further noted that restoration work on the National Highway is being carried out on a war footing to enhance connectivity.
During the visit, he was accompanied by Director FCS&CA, Owais Ahmad; Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta; SSP Shopian, Anayat Ali; SSP Traffic, and other senior officials from the district administration, BRO, and traffic departments.
Deputy Commissioner Poonch and SSP Poonch also joined the Div Com to oversee coordination from the other end of the route.
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