Srinagar, Sep 17: With the frequent closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway leaving fruit growers in a state of despair, an unusual scene is unfolding: dumpers, usually meant for construction material, are now being used to transport apple boxes to outside markets.

On Tuesday, fruit growers were seen loading dumpers with apples at the fruit mandi in Shopian to take their fruits to outside Kashmir markets.

Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), growers said the decision comes in the backdrop of an acute shortage of transport vehicles.

With the authorities allowing only six-tyre trucks on the Mughal Road, the demand for vehicles has skyrocketed, pushing freight charges beyond the reach of many small farmers.

“At this critical time, we have no option left. Dumpers, which are generally used for sand and gravel, are now ferrying our fruit to Jammu. It is unsafe and unscientific, but we can’t afford to let the produce rot in orchards or mandis,” said Ghulam Nabi, an orchardist from Shopian.

Another grower, Bashir Ahmad from Pulwama, expressed anguish over the rising freight rates. “The transport shortage has become a nightmare. The rates have tripled, and we are being forced to pay whatever the transporters demand. If the government doesn’t intervene, we will face huge losses.”

Growers have urged the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the crisis on an urgent basis. They appealed for the immediate deployment of Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (RTC) trucks to ferry apple consignments.

“RTC vehicles can provide major relief to us. Their deployment will not only ease the pressure but also help put a cap on skyrocketing freight charges,” said Abdul Rashid, a trader at Fruit Mandi Shopian.

Fruit associations have also raised concerns about the safety of produce being loaded in dumpers. “Apples are delicate, and such rough transportation damages the boxes and reduces market value. The government must step in and provide a proper transport mechanism before it is too late,” said Farooq Ahmad, a member of the fruit association in south Kashmir.

With Kashmir’s horticulture sector reeling under the impact of prolonged highway closure, growers warn that if immediate steps are not taken, the Valley’s apple economy—supporting lakhs of families—will face devastating losses this season, and it has faced a loss of hundreds of crores.

Jammu, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Wednesday visited the Tharad village on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in the Udhampur district to review the ongoing restoration work, officials said.

This visit by the DGP follows a high-level meeting on Tuesday chaired by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to review the status of the highway, which has remained closed for heavy vehicles following massive damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir last month.

Accompanied by Inspector General (IG) of Traffic Police Suleman Choudhary, the DGP visited the Tharad stretch of the highway and reviewed the situation and vehicular movement, they said.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also faced backlash from various quarters for failing to widen and level a 300-metre stretch constructed at Tharad in the Udhampur district after the existing highway was buried under debris.

According to officials, the poor condition of this stretch is causing significant hindrance to the smooth movement of traffic along the highway.

Jammu, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday inspected the ongoing road restoration works at the severely damaged Tharad area along the vital Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

This is his second visit to the area amid mounting concerns over hundreds of trucks — including those carrying Kashmiri apples to outside markets and essential supplies like fuel to the Valley — being stranded there.

On Tuesday, Abdullah participated in a high-level virtual meeting chaired by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to review the status of restoration of the highway, which suffered heavy damages during record rainfall on August 26 and 27.

“During his on-spot assessment of the NH-44 restoration work, the chief minister, accompanied by Minister Javed Ahmad Rana, directed the officials concerned to expedite the process, noting that the prolonged closure is severely impacting the supply of essentials, including fresh fruit,” the chief minister’s office said in an X post.

A three-kilometre stretch between Tharad and Balli Nalla in Udhampur district was completely buried under a massive landslide during the rains. Several locations between Jhakani and Nashri, and Peerah and Banihal also suffered extensive damages.

During the inspection, the officials concerned briefed the chief minister about the prevailing conditions and assured that they are doing everything possible to keep the highway open in spite of frequent inclement weather.

Abdullah asked the chief secretary to ensure lane discipline and regulate traffic on the highway to facilitate smooth clearance.

He also met the families whose houses were damaged and assured them proper rehabilitation, an official said.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Abdullah had highlighted the difficulties faced by fruit growers and traders due to prolonged closure of the highway and urged the Union Minister for uninterrupted passage of heavy vehicles.

He said that while blacktopping and maintenance of the road is necessary, it must not come at the cost of prolonged disruption of vital traffic movement.

“Blacktopping can wait for its turn. But large vehicles, especially 4-axle and 5-axle trucks, cannot be diverted through Mughal Road. This is the only route available for them. A huge number of trucks are stranded on the Kashmir side alone, clearing this backlog is crucial,” he said at the meeting.

Abdullah said the fruit season is at its peak and delays in transportation are causing heavy losses to growers and traders.

Gadkari assured the chief minister that his concerns would be addressed, and said the backlog of trucks and other heavy vehicles would be cleared on priority before blacktopping resumes.

Handwara, Sep 17: Two Army personnel sustained injuries after an accident between a truck and an Army Gypsy took place in Langate area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Wednesday.

Quoting official sources, news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC) reported that the collision involved a truck loaded with gas cylinders, bearing registration number JK19A 5424, and an Army Gypsy.

In the mishap, two Army jawans identified as Atul Kumar and Anuj Borzohin were injured and subsequently shifted to GMC Handwara for treatment.

Cognizance of the incident has been taken and further investigation initiated.

Srinagar, Sep 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the “Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan- Healthy Women, Empowered Families”, a national health campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The 16-day campaign will strengthen screening, maternal health services, lifestyle counselling, yoga and Ayush-based interventions for women, adolescent girls and children.

The event also witnessed the commencement of 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah which will be celebrated from 17th September to 16th October 2025, across the country.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for dedicating the national health campaign to promote women’s health and well‑being.

He called upon all the stakeholders to work with Whole of Government Approach and make this campaign a huge success. “A healthy woman is the foundation of a happy and prosperous family, which in turn builds a strong nation. Today, the supreme position of women in public life is seen as key to ensuring peace and progress in the society. The “Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan” is poised to turn a new chapter in women’s empowerment.

Prime Minister’s holistic approach to improving the lives and prioritising health of women has given new strength to Nari Shakti. Prime Minister’s vision, which places Nari Shakti at the forefront of development, has made women powerful agents of change,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted India’s rapid economic development, under the guidance of Prime Minister.

India has overcome previous slow growth to become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said peace is essential for development, and peace can only be achieved by completely dismantling terror ecosystem.

“The people from all sections of society must realise that those who provide ideological and financial support for terrorism, create false narratives are dangerous to peace and development.
“Viksit Bharat” requires a “Viksit Jammu Kashmir”, which can only be achieved when economic benefits reach the poor and the common man, and not only to handful of persons. On this occasion, we must also introspect on these important issues,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor called for a widespread awareness campaign using various platforms to encourage public participation and leveraging Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Anganwadi centres for dissemination of detailed information on health camp schedules and services.The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a health camp to mark the occasion. He also distributed medical aids and handed over sanction letters under Mission YUVA among beneficiaries

“Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan” is a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), aimed at strengthening healthcare services for women and children across India, with a focus on improving access, quality care, and awareness.

The Abhiyan is organising more than one lakh health camps, making this the largest ever health outreach for women and children in the country. These camps will be organised at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres, and other healthcare facilities and will actively promote nutrition, health awareness, and overall family well-being.

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur; Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Sarmad Hafeez; Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; Deputy Commissioner, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Shobhna Gupta; Mission Director NHM J&K, Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary; Administrative Secretaries, senior officials, women and people from different walks of life were present at the UT level event in Srinagar.

Srinagar, Sep 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited JLNM Hospital Rainawari and distributed fruits to the patients as part of ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ to celebrate the 75th Birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to the media-persons on the sidelines of his visit, the Lieutenant Governor extended his heartfelt birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Selfless service fosters community bond and a sense of shared purpose. From 17th September to 2nd October, various Sewa Parv campaigns are being dedicated to women empowerment and health.

Prime Minister spent his life dedicated to nation’s service. Under his leadership, the past 11 years are seen as a milestone in India’s transformation and it has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy.

Prime Minister has ensured that benefits of economic growth reach the poor and marginalised section of society. 25 Crore people have been lifted out of poverty. India’s prestige in the world has greatly increased under his visionary leadership. We pray for his long and healthy life,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; SSP Srinagar, Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo and other senior officials.