Srinagar, Feb 22: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Thursday urged the government to ensure the availability of stocks in the Kashmir division following the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to heavy snowfall and rainfall. He also called on the administration to clear snow from various roads in the upper Kandi areas of Khansahib and Budgam and expedite the restoration of power and water supply in snow-affected rural areas, where feeders and electric lines have been damaged due to heavy snowfall.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem expressed concern over the availability of stocks, which has been a perennial issue for the people of Kashmir during winter due to frequent closures of the National Highway 44 because of landslides. He said the recent heavy snowfall and rains have once again resulted in traffic blockades on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which have led to anxiety among consumers about the availability and prices of essential commodities, particularly vegetables, fruits, and poultry products in the coming days.
“In light of these circumstances, there is a need to reactivate the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department,” he said.
The PDF Chairman also urged for snow clearance from roads and the restoration of affected power and water supply in the snow-affected upper Kandi areas of Khansahib and Budgam. He appealed to the government to deploy adequate manpower and machinery to restore road communication and power supply in all snow-affected areas to alleviate the hardships faced by the people as soon as possible.
The former minister called for the early restoration of National Highway-44 to ensure the adequate availability of essential commodities to consumers.
