Srinagar Apr 21: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Monday said that there is an adequate stock of essential commodities including LPG, Diesel & Petrol available across the Valley.
He stated that significant efforts are underway to repair and restore the National Highway to facilitate the movement of vehicles. Bidhuri maintained that restoration work is expected to be completed within four or five days while one way Light Motor Vehicles are allowed to ply on Mughal Road.
Div Com made these remarks while chairing a meeting of officers to evaluate the availability of essential supplies in the region and to assess damage incurred by orchardists.
Addressing the meeting, he underscored that there is enough fuel stock to last for over 12 days and urged citizens to refrain from causing unnecessary panic or queuing at petrol stations.
He said that the LPG stock is sufficiently available for 17 days, while the 10,000 Kilolitres of petrol will suffice the requirement for 16 days, and similarly, 12500 kilolitres of diesel are available in the Valley.
Meanwhile, to address profiteering by some traders, the Div Com instructed Deputy Commissioners to constitute joint teams to conduct thorough market inspections, while Superintendents of Police were asked to deploy personnel at petrol stations to discourage queuing by people.
Regarding damage to apple orchards from severe weather conditions, Bidhuri directed Deputy Commissioners to constitute joint teams to assess the extent of the damage caused by heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstorms, and to submit their findings promptly.
Additionally, concerning the evacuation of stranded tourists, the Div Com instructed the SSP Traffic Rural and the DC of Shopian to prioritize the movement of tourist vehicles via the Mughal Road.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner SMC; Deputy Commissioners, SSPs, Directors of IMD, Health, Tourism, FCS&CA, VC LCMA, ULB, officers of various departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, School Education, Traffic, Transport, KPDCL, I&FC, PHE, PWD etc.
Div Com’s statement comes after long queues were witnessed at several fuel stations across Srinagar and other districts on Sunday, sparked by fears of a possible fuel shortage.
The panic buying began after road blockades along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway disrupted transportation, leading to growing public concern.
Fuel stations in the city saw a significant rush of vehicles, with many residents attempting to stock up on petrol and diesel amid the ongoing downpours. Waterlogging and fears of landslides have added to the anxiety, despite official assurances.
According to data shared, the Valley currently holds 5,205 kilolitres of petrol (Motor Spirit), which is sufficient to meet normal demand for 17 days. Diesel (High-Speed Diesel) stock stands at 12,735 kilolitres, enough to last 26 days under typical consumption levels.
The administration has urged the public to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic buying. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, particularly as the region experiences intermittent rainfall, leading to road blockades, waterlogging, and heightened concerns about landslides.
Jammu and Kashmir has been grappling with sustained spells of rain, leading to waterlogging, disrupted transport, and fears of landslides, particularly along the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
In a tragic development, three people lost their lives in a cloudburst in Ramban district, where landslides have brought vehicular movement on the highway to a halt. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who visited the affected areas, termed the incident “unfortunate” and assured that the government would extend all possible support to the bereaved families.
“The government shares the grief of the families who lost their loved ones. Restoration and relief efforts are underway, and the concerned agencies have been directed to work round the clock to clear debris and restore traffic on the national highway,” Choudhary said.
He also advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay informed through official updates. “The Jammu-Srinagar highway is the main source of connectivity, and all efforts are being made to ensure it is restored as quickly as possible,” he added.