Fruit Growers of Jammu and Kashmir Seek Relief from Highway Delays
Baramulla, August 5, 2024 – In a bid to address the long-standing woes of fruit growers in Jammu and Kashmir, Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid has sought the intervention of the Centre to establish a dedicated green corridor for fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
A Plea to the Centre
Rashid, who was recently permitted by a court to attend the ongoing Parliament session, met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday to press his demands. The Awami Itihaad Party, to which Rashid belongs, said the MP raised several key infrastructure and public welfare issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Fruit Growers’ Plight
Fruit growers in Jammu and Kashmir are facing a crisis due to frequent traffic disruptions on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. The highway stretches from Qazigund to Banihal and Udhampur, and the delays are causing heavy losses to the growers by delaying the movement of highly perishable produce. Rashid told the Minister that the horticulture sector is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, supporting nearly seven lakh families.
Quality, Price, and Cost
Rashid explained that transportation delays lead to deterioration in fruit quality, lower market prices, and higher transport costs. He urged Gadkari to ensure priority movement of fruit-laden trucks through a dedicated green corridor and establish an effective coordination mechanism involving the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Traffic Police, Civil Administration, and the Horticulture Department.
A Proposal with Local Support
In another significant demand, Rashid urged the Ministry to retain and upgrade the existing alignment of NH-701A (Magam-Beerwah-Arizal-Doodhpathri Highway) instead of constructing a new bypass. The proposal has the support of local residents, who believe that the existing road could be upgraded with minimal widening, reducing land acquisition, displacement, and project costs while protecting fertile agricultural land and orchards.
Connectivity and Upgradation
Rashid also requested the Minister to expedite the upgradation of the eight-kilometre Paharthan-Kralnewah Crossing road via Chotribaal, describing it as crucial for improving connectivity and addressing the long-pending transport needs of local residents. The Minister gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and assured the MP that the Ministry would examine them sympathetically.
A Ray of Hope
The meeting between Rashid and Gadkari has brought a glimmer of hope for the fruit growers of Jammu and Kashmir. If the Centre accepts Rashid’s demands, it could lead to a significant improvement in the lives of the growers and their families. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are eagerly waiting to see the outcome of this meeting and the impact it will have on their lives.