Iltija Mufti raises concern over highway closure, seeks green corridor for Kashmir’s apple growers
SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Friday expressed concern over losses being faced by Kashmir’s apple growers due to the closure of the highway at Qazigund and urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite road works and introduce a green corridor for fruit-laden vehicles.
In a series of posts on X, Iltija said apple growers were once again facing heavy losses during the harvest season due to disruptions on the highway.
Questioning the timing of road maintenance during the fruit harvest season, she said horticulture provides livelihood to lakhs of people in Kashmir and urged Gadkari to ensure that the ongoing road works are expedited.
Iltija said prolonged highway disruptions result in tonnes of apples rotting in stranded vehicles, causing financial losses to growers, many of whom, she said, have loans to repay.
Terming the situation “economic apartheid”, she urged the Union Minister to introduce a green corridor to ensure unhindered transportation of horticultural produce.
Iltija also appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to facilitate freight trains and take other measures to ensure that apple growers do not suffer losses due to disruptions in road connectivity. — (KIMS)
