Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Thursday reviewed the situation arising from recent heavy rainfall and landslides in Ramban and adjoining areas, directing authorities to expedite restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and ensure priority movement of fruit-laden trucks.
Accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, the Minister inspected the Samroli-Udhampur stretch of NH-44 to assess restoration works and traffic management following landslides and shooting stones triggered by incessant rainfall.
Reviewing the ongoing clearance operations, Dar directed the concerned agencies to restore affected road stretches on a war footing. He asked them to deploy adequate manpower, machinery and other resources at vulnerable locations to minimise traffic disruption and ensure commuter safety.
At a review meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Ramban, the Minister instructed the district administration, Police, Traffic Police, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Public Works Department and other agencies to maintain close coordination for effective management of the situation.
With the apple harvesting and marketing season underway, Dar directed that fruit-laden trucks be given top priority on NH-44, stressing that perishable consignments should not face unnecessary stoppages or procedural delays. He asked the Traffic Police to regulate traffic to facilitate smooth movement of fruit vehicles, particularly on vulnerable and congestion-prone stretches, and called for advance traffic planning to minimise delays.
The Minister also directed authorities to maintain a round-the-clock monitoring mechanism along vulnerable stretches of the highway to respond promptly to fresh landslides, shooting stones and road blockages. He emphasised timely dissemination of traffic advisories and real-time information to transporters and fruit growers to help them plan the movement of their produce.
He said restoration of NH-44 and uninterrupted transportation of horticulture produce must go hand in hand during the peak fruit season, as timely movement of consignments is crucial for protecting growers’ incomes and preventing post-harvest losses.
Deputy Commissioner Ramban briefed the Minister on restoration measures and informed him that assessment of damage to crops and other assets was underway for providing relief and compensation as per norms. Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, also apprised the Minister of traffic management arrangements and the 24×7 monitoring mechanism on the highway.
Earlier in the day, Dar, accompanied by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, visited the Jabalipora Fruit Mandi in Anantnag to review arrangements for the transportation and marketing of fruit.
Representatives of the Fruit Mandi Association raised concerns over delays in the movement of fruit-laden vehicles on NH-44 and sought measures to ensure hassle-free transportation during the peak marketing season. They also highlighted issues related to mandi infrastructure, including allotment of shops, construction of a dedicated corridor, a mosque and improvement of basic amenities.
The Minister assured growers and traders that all genuine demands would be examined on priority and said the government would work towards strengthening mandi infrastructure, improving logistics and creating a more efficient marketing environment for the horticulture sector.
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