Srinagar, July 3: A delegation of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union (KVFG) on Thursday urged the Traffic Police to ensure uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, citing the highly perishable nature of seasonal fruit produce.
The delegation, led by KVFG Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer, met Inspector General of Police (Traffic) M. Suleman Choudhary, in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Haseeb-ur-Rehman.
The delegation included Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President Fruit Association Sopore; Mudasir Ahmad Bhat, President Buyers-Sellers Association Sopore; Mohammad Ashraf, President Fruit Association Shopian; Nazir Ahmad Mir, General Secretary Fruit Association Shopian; Abdul Majeed Wani, General Secretary Fruit Association Pulwama; and Ali Mohammad Reshi, Chairman, Transport of Fruit Association, Parimpora.
During the meeting, the growers highlighted the challenges posed by the current one-way traffic arrangement on NH-44 due to the annual Amarnath Yatra convoy. They said the harvesting and transportation of plum, early varieties of apple, pear and other fresh fruits are presently at their peak, making uninterrupted transportation essential to prevent heavy losses.
The delegation said the fruit is extremely perishable and needs to be transported to markets across the country without delay. It also pointed out that fresh fruits and vegetables arriving in the Valley from outside Jammu and Kashmir require smooth movement to avoid spoilage.
While reiterating their full support for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, the growers said transportation of fruit-laden trucks should continue on a daily basis as even a short halt could result in substantial losses for fruit growers already affected by recent climatic changes and natural disasters.
The union appreciated the Traffic Police for facilitating the movement of fruit-laden vehicles during previous Yatra seasons and requested that the same practice continue this year in the interest of the horticulture sector and the farming community.
Responding to the concerns, IGP Traffic M. Suleman Choudhary and DIG Traffic Haseeb-ur-Rehman assured the delegation that the department would examine measures to facilitate the smooth movement of fruit-laden trucks on NH-44 during the Yatra period.
The officers directed that all trucks carrying perishable fruits should display a signboard on the front windshield indicating the truck registration number and the type of fruit being transported, duly authenticated with the stamp of the concerned fruit association.
They further informed the delegation that fruit-laden trucks would first be assembled at a designated location before being allowed to proceed together towards their respective destinations.
The Traffic Police also announced the creation of a dedicated WhatsApp group to coordinate the movement of fruit-laden vehicles. Fruit growers’ associations have been asked to share truck registration numbers, drivers’ contact details and certification from the concerned association through the group to facilitate better coordination and timely movement of perishable consignments.
