SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Monday assured that the administration is taking all necessary measures to facilitate the evacuation of stranded fruit-laden trucks through both the National Highway and the Mughal Road. He also stated that all valley-bound vehicles carrying essential commodities, including petrol, diesel, and LPG are being facilitated through an SoP to address the requirements of the general public.

Div Com made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting with representatives from various trade bodies and fruit growers' associations. The meeting was convened to address the challenges faced by the horticulture industry due to the prolonged closure of the National Highway. On the occasion, he said restoration work on the National Highway is progressing at full pace and that the status will be shared with stakeholders.

During the meeting, traders and growers highlighted the severe losses being incurred as harvested apples remain stranded in orchards and vehicles. They urged the administration to take swift action to minimize the damage to the region’s vital horticulture industry.

They raised various issues including immediate evacuation of stranded trucks, implementation of one-way traffic on alternate days on the National Highway and Mughal Road, formation of a committee to assess losses suffered by growers and traders, reduction in transportation costs and exemption of GST on perishable goods, railway connectivity between fruit mandis and markets across the country and resolution of issues faced by traders at Azadpur Mandi Delhi.

Additional Member (Marketing & Business Development), Railway Board, Dr. Manoj Singh (IRTS) briefed the stakeholders on the features of the New Parcel service and sought their active collaboration in making the best use of the same for transportation of fruit from valley to Delhi.

While welcoming the initiation of Parcel train services, the stakeholders reiterated the need for stronger logistical linkages and policy support to safeguard the horticulture sector. The meeting was attended by IGP Traffic Kashmir, Director FCS&CA, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Budgam, Director Industries & Commerce, SSP Traffic Rural, and senior officials from Horticulture, BRO, NHIDCL, and representatives from various trade and fruit growers’ associations.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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