Bisma Bhat
Srinagar: Panic-stricken people have heaved a sigh of relief after Jammu and Kashmir government reopened national highway and allowed the trucks carrying essential commodities and medicines to reach the valley.
“The availability of fast-moving consumer goods was not in stock. Fortunately, after seven days, traffic has been resumed on the national highway and stranded trucks were allowed to reach the valley. Goods like medicines, fruits, vegetables, and other commmodities are available in the market now,” said Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad.
For the last seven days, authorities were not allowing any traffic movement on the Srinagar-Jammu highway following the lockdown. Hundreds of trucks carrying essentials had queued up at different places along the highway.
A spokesman of the Traffic Department said around 300 trucks carrying fruit, vegetables, and other essentials were allowed to move.
“We will be allowing trucks carrying essential commodities to move till April 14. No other vehicle will be allowed to ply on the road till further orders,” said a spokesman of the Traffic department.
Director, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, (FCSCA), Bashir Ahmad said sufficient stock is available for two months.
“There is no shortage of rice, LPG, and other things. There is no need to panic. The government has taken all measures to ensure availability of stock in the market,” he said.
Proprietor, Kashmir Gas Agency, Jagmohan Singh Raina said there was a shortage of the LPG in the valley because of highway closure. “However, after the resumption of traffic, we have replenished the stock,” he said.
Srinagar district administration said they have home-delivered ration to more than 75000 families so far.
“Let’s recognize the efforts of these soldiers on foot & wheels helping everyone to #StayAtHome. PDS ration home-delivered to 75,216 families in six days. 1.85 Lakh families more to go. People turning up at some depots are discouraged,” tweeted Srinagar DC Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.
