Atal Dulloo, the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, chaired a crucial meeting today focusing on the smooth transportation of fruit consignments from the Kashmir Valley to other markets. This discussion comes at a vital time for the region, especially during the peak harvest season.
The high-level meeting included pivotal government officials: the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary of the Transport Department, Inspector General of Traffic, and other key stakeholders. These participants discussed the logistics challenge facing fruit transport and aimed to strategize efficient solutions.
Among the central topics was the current status of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). The Chief Secretary inquired specifically about the operational capacity of the highway and the unhindered passage of essential goods into the Valley. His key directive was that no fruit truck should remain stranded in transit.
Dulloo emphasized the need for a priority route for fruit trucks, urging that all relevant departments must mobilize efforts to facilitate safe transport. Additionally, he reviewed the troubling instances of vehicles stranded on both sides of NH-44, ordering prompt action to clear these disruptions.
In an innovative approach, Dulloo advised exploring rail freight services as a viable alternative for transporting horticultural produce. He suggested this collaboration should involve consultations with local fruit growers and the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, especially to major markets like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, assured the Chief Secretary that existing transportation facilities were adequate and reasonably priced, noting that local growers currently did not face significant logistical challenges.
Avny Lavasa, the Secretary of the Transport Department, assured support from the J&K SRTC fleet to assist growers in case of any transport vehicle shortages. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure the smooth evacuation of fruit produce from the Valley to markets.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment, emphasizing the importance of the seamless transportation of horticultural produce for the economy of Kashmir. He instructed all involved departments to maintain close coordination and implement proactive measures throughout this vital harvest season.
This concerted effort highlights the critical role of fruit consignments from the Kashmir Valley, not just for local economies but for India’s broader agricultural landscape. The government seeks to enhance the sustainability of these operations and bolster the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
