Srinagar-Jammu highway closure hits apple, mutton trade

Srinagar, Aug 29: The prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu Highway has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s apple and mutton industries, leaving over scores of trucks stranded at different stretches of the route.

At Qazigund, scores of fruit-laden trucks are stuck, while many more are stranded between Qazigund and Khanbal in Anantnag district. Trucks carrying other essential commodities are also reported to be halted at Kathua, worsening the crisis.

Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, president of the Apple Farmers Federation of Kashmir, said that growers are deeply distressed as high-density apple consignments, which have a shorter shelf life compared to the delicious variety, remain stuck for days. “Fruit growers and traders in Kashmir who harvested their high-density apple crop are worried as trucks are stranded on the highway. The Mughal Road is also uncertain for smooth heavy truckloads. This variety of apple is perishable, and its storage life is also less. We expect the government to restore the highway as early as possible for smooth transportation of the apple,” he said.

Apart from fruit, the highway closure has also hampered the supply of mutton to the Valley, leading to concerns among traders over possible shortages if the route remains blocked.Jammu & Kashmir tourism packages

Authorities have assured that efforts are underway to restore traffic, but with continuous landslides and weather disruptions, no clear timeline has been given. [KNT]