Growers Appeal LG Sinha, CM Omar to intervene; Drivers stage protest
Srinagar: The Fruit Association Shopian has raised concerns over significant losses faced by apple growers due to restrictions on the movement of fruit-laden trucks along the Mughal Road.
During a press conference in Srinagar the Association on Thursday criticized authorities for limiting truck movement to only a few hours each day and permitting only six-tyre vehicles, which has left many apple-loaded trucks stranded. Mohammad Ashraf, President of the Fruit Mandi Shopian, highlighted that these restrictions are detrimental to Kashmir’s apple industry, which is already under pressure from various challenges. Ashraf noted that traffic advisories are often received too late, and while trucks from the Shopian side are restricted, vehicles from the Poonch side operate freely throughout the day, leading to perceived discrimination and substantial losses for fruit growers. On a recent Thursday, only 150 six-tyre trucks were allowed to move, while other vehicles, such as oil tankers, dominated the traffic. He warned that if the situation continues, thousands of trucks will be stranded, risking catastrophic losses for the industry. The Association has called for a change in policy, suggesting that if only six-tyre trucks are permitted, they should be allowed to operate throughout the day on alternate days to prevent the spoilage of perishable crops. Ashraf has appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for intervention to resolve the crisis. In response to the situation, truck drivers have protested near the Circuit House Shopian, accusing traffic police of not adhering to their own advisories, which stated that heavy vehicles should be allowed to move freely. Drivers expressed frustration over the limited movement of trucks, emphasizing the urgency of transporting perishable goods to avoid spoilage. The recurring issue of stranded fruit trucks on Mughal Road has become a significant concern during harvest seasons, with growers and transporters consistently reporting financial losses due to traffic restrictions and road closures. Growers in South Kashmir have urged the administration to recognize the critical nature of the situation, asserting that the apple industry is vital to the region’s economy and that delays threaten the livelihoods of countless families dependent on this sector. Both truckers and fruit growers have jointly appealed for timely and equitable vehicle movement on Mughal Road, warning that continued negligence could severely impact the apple industry during its peak season.
