Srinagar, Sept 11: Jammu and Kashmir’s Horticulture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar on Thursday admitted that the Valley’s horticulture sector has suffered significant losses due to the prolonged closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
However, he maintained that it would be “premature” to put a figure on the damage, dismissing early estimates ranging between 400 to 600 crore.
Speaking to the news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), the Minister said, “There is no doubt that the horticulture sector has borne the brunt of the highway blockade. Fruit-laden trucks remained stranded for days. But at this stage, it will be premature to declare whether the losses are 400 crore or 600 crore. It could be more or less. We will sit down, assess the situation comprehensively, and only then will we know the actual figure.”
The Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir to the rest of the country, was closed for over two weeks following unprecedented rains, flash floods, and landslides that severely damaged stretches of the road. The disruption not only halted the movement of essential supplies but also crippled fruit transportation at the peak of the harvest season.
The Minister further said, “We have already informed the Centre that horticulture has suffered a severe setback. The Chief Minister is in constant touch with the highest levels in New Delhi for relief and support. Whether the losses are in horticulture, housing, infrastructure, or the lives tragically lost, our effort is to secure relief for everyone who has been affected by this natural calamity,” he said.
He added that the administration has been coordinating closely with the Union government to explore alternative transport arrangements.
“It was the Chief Minister who raised the issue with the Railway Minister. I am happy to share that the Union Railway Minister today announced the operation of two special parcel vans to facilitate the export of fruits from Kashmir to Jammu and Delhi. This will provide immediate respite to our growers,” the Minister noted.
Farmers and fruit traders have repeatedly raised alarm over their losses, with many apple consignments reportedly rotting on the highway. While acknowledging their pain, the Minister expressed personal anguish at the crisis. “This natural calamity has destroyed roads, houses, and lives. I personally feel bad for the people who have suffered. When nature strikes, everyone bears the brunt—even the government. But the government exists for the people, and we are doing everything possible to ease their suffering,” he said.
The Minister also lauded the efforts of road-clearing agencies for their partial restoration of the highway. “Machinery is working round the clock despite difficult conditions. The authorities deserve appreciation for their tireless work. Efforts are on to fully restore the highway, and we are confident that normalcy in traffic movement will be restored soon,” he remarked.(KINS)
