Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, April 12 (KINS): Amid coronavirus scare, at least 80 trucks of fruits and vegetables are imported into Kashmir every day.
Like other parts, Kashmir is under lockdown for last over three weeks. There are apprehensions that valley may be short of essentials as Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed for several days recently due to land sliding and lockdown. However, Chairman of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum Dealers Union, Bashir Ahmad Basheer said there was no shortage of fruits and vegetables.
“Around 80 trucks laden with fruits and vegetables reach Kashmir daily. There is no disruption. Initially after lockdown was announced, we faced some problems. Now things are normal. Both fruits and vegetables are being supplied to all Mandis of Kashmir,” Bashir told Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
He said these trucks carry onion, potatoes, tomato, bananas, oranges, melon, watermelon, and other fruit and vegetable items.
A senior official told KINS that there was no shortage of essentials in Kashmir. “Medicines are also available. People should not pay heed to rumors,” the official said. He asked people not to panic. “We have enough stock available for at least eight weeks. We have rice, gas, and other essential communities available,” said the official.
There were recently reports that lockdown, coupled with the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for a week has created scarcity of essential commodities in Kashmir. Due to the closure of the 264-Km highway, the only road link between Kashmir and the rest of the country, hundreds of trucks carrying essential commodities to the Valley and those returning remained stranded due to multiple landslides.
Similarly, Government has also directed the Pharma Association to report any shortage of medicines to the Deputy Drugs Controller, Kashmir, so that same can be arranged for the patients well in time. The Pharma dealers, who have to airlift their medicine from Delhi were asked to put up their requisitions, if any, well in advance, so the supply chain is not hampered and if any truck or vehicle carrying medicines is halted anywhere, same should be brought into the notice of authorities for its safe passage, they were advised.(KINS)
