Javid Dar reviews rain-related damage, NH-44 restoration; asks for priority movement of fruit-laden trucks

RAMBAN, AUGUST 6: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today reviewed the situation arising from recent heavy rainfall and landslides in Ramban and adjoining areas, with emphasis on damage to life and property, disruption of traffic and restoration of the National Highway.
The Minister, accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, also conducted a spot inspection of the Samroli–Udhampur stretch of NH-44 to take firsthand assessment of the restoration works and traffic arrangements following landslides and shooting stones triggered by incessant rainfall.
During the inspection, Javid Dar took stock of the ongoing clearance and restoration operations. He directed the concerned agencies to undertake the works on war footing to ensure early restoration of the affected stretches. He stressed that adequate men, machinery and other resources be deployed at vulnerable locations to minimize disruption to vehicular movement and ensure the safety of commuters.
During the review meeting at DC office Ramban, the Minister directed all the concerned agencies to maintain close coordination for effective management of the situation. He emphasized coordinated efforts by the district administration, Police, Traffic Police, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Public Works Department, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure prompt response to the emerging challenges.
The Minister accorded top priority to the movement of fruit-laden trucks, keeping in view the perishable nature of horticulture produce and the ongoing peak fruit marketing season. He directed that such vehicles should not face unnecessary stoppages or procedural delays and called for every possible measure to facilitate their smooth and hassle-free movement towards markets outside J&K.
Javid Dar directed the Traffic Police and enforcement agencies to regulate traffic in a manner that facilitates the movement of fruit consignments, particularly along vulnerable and congestion-prone stretches. He called for advance traffic planning and coordinated movement of vehicles, with priority passage to fruit-laden trucks wherever road and safety conditions permit.
He further directed the authorities to put in place a 24×7 monitoring mechanism along vulnerable stretches of NH-44 to ensure immediate response to fresh landslides, shooting stones, road blockages and other emergencies. He stressed the need for timely dissemination of traffic advisories and real-time information to transporters and fruit growers to enable them to plan movement of their produce efficiently.
The Minister emphasized that restoration of NH-44 and facilitation of horticulture transportation must go hand in hand, particularly during the peak harvesting and marketing season. He said timely movement of fruit consignments is crucial for safeguarding the interests and income of growers and preventing avoidable post-harvest losses.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, briefed the Minister on the restoration measures undertaken by the district administration. He informed about the assessment of damage to crops and other assets for extending relief and compensation as per applicable norms.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, briefed the Minister about the traffic management arrangements and the 24×7 monitoring mechanism being maintained along the National Highway to ensure timely response to disruptions and facilitate smooth vehicular movement.
Earlier, Javid Dar, along with Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, visited Jabalipora Fruit Mandi, Anantnag, to review arrangements for smooth transportation and marketing of fruit during the ongoing season.
The President of the Fruit Mandi Association apprised the Minister of various issues confronting the mandi. He sought effective measures to ensure smooth movement of fruit-laden vehicles on NH-44 during the peak fruit season without unnecessary disruption or delays.
The delegation also projected various demands concerning the functioning and infrastructure of the mandi, including allotment of shops, provision of a dedicated corridor for the mandi, construction of a mosque and improvement of basic amenities.
Interacting with members of the Fruit Mandi Association and fruit growers, the Minister assured that all genuine issues would be examined and addressed on priority.
The Minister assured the fruit growers and traders that the issues raised would be taken up with the concerned departments for timely resolution. He stressed the need to strengthen mandi infrastructure, improve logistics and create an efficient and conducive marketing environment for growers and traders.
MLA Srigufwara- Bijbehara, Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri; MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani; MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi; MLA Shangus-Anantnag East, Reyaz Ahmad Khan; MLA Kokernag, Zafar Ali Khatana; MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen; MLA Ramban, Arjun Singh Raju; Director Agriculture Jammu; Directors of Horticulture Kashmir and Jammu; Director Horticulture Marketing and Processing; Director of Horticulture (Planning and Marketing) J&K and other senior officers of the concerned departments were present during the review and inspection.