Srinagar, Sept 16, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday called on Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and apprised him of the difficulties faced by the Valley’s apple industry due to repeated closures of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
Heavy rains and flash floods over the past few weeks have led to frequent disruptions on the strategic highway, leaving hundreds of fruit-laden trucks stranded for days together. The situation has triggered deep concern among growers who fear significant financial losses at the peak of the apple harvesting season.
Iltija Mufti, who met the Lieutenant Governor in Srinagar, highlighted the urgency of ensuring the unhindered passage of fruit consignments to outside markets. “Called on Hon’ble LG Manoj Sinha ji to apprise him of the severe crisis crippling J&K’s apple industry owing to the shutdown of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. He kindly assured to expedite smooth movement of trucks on the highway to avoid further losses,” she later wrote on social media platform X.
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The apple sector is one of the largest contributors to Kashmir’s economy, providing livelihood to thousands of families. Stakeholders have repeatedly urged authorities to ensure that fruit consignments are given priority passage during the harvesting and export season.
The Lieutenant Governor, according to Iltija Mufti, assured that measures will be taken to facilitate the timely movement of trucks and prevent further disruption to the industry. [KNT]
