While the supply of sacrificial animals and other goods for upcoming Eid-ul-Adha next month has already begun, the decision of administration to allow the movement of goods carriers through Mughal Road is proving to be a dampener for the forthcoming festive season.
Many traders told Greater Kashmir that transportation ofgoods through difficult terrain of Mughal Road will be both time consuming andalso loss-making adding that it will shoot-up prices. Traders have blamedadministration for not providing “first preference” to perishables such aslivestock and vegetables to move between Jammu and Srinagar.
Mehraj-ud-din Ganai, general secretary, All KashmirWholesale Mutton Dealers Association told Greater Kashmir that in the run-up toEid, atleast 100-150 truckloads of sacrificial animals are expected to reachthe Valley daily during next two weeks. Ganai said mutton already being sold atRs 500 will become costlier due to the added transportation cost through theMughal Road.
“We are expecting a truckload of sheep to become costlier byat least Rs 7000 to Rs 9000. Moreover, the longer Mughal Road route will makeanimals more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Most of the traders passon the burden of losses on the end customer which will have an impact onsacrificial animals cost,” Ganai said.
Sacrificial animal market last year too had witnessed highrates proving to be a burden on common people.
Ganai said the decision to allow goods carriers such astrucks and oil tankers to move through Mughal Road will coincide with thecommencement of peak season of supplies of fresh fruit from the Valley nextmonth.
“Look at the sort of facilities available on the Mughal Roadfor truckers. It is also a lengthy route which makes journey for the livestocktougher. Both truck drivers and livestock will suffer on this route whichmostly witnesses inclement weather. Also this route gets closed for trafficmovement every now and then,” Ganai said.
Basheer Ahmad Bashir, president, All Kashmir Fruits Growerscum Dealers Union says the trailer that carry goods are usually more than8-tyre heavy vehicles which will find it difficult to ferry goods from theMughal Road. “At the maximum this route is meant for 6 –tyre trailers. Anythingmore than this will find it difficult to move on this route,” Bashir said.
Basheer said regulation of traffic on the Mughal Road is notsmooth like conventional Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
“The less presence of traffic policemen will also make adifference. We have already suffered huge losses due to frequent closure of thenational highway and other restrictions. Truckloads of perishables andfresh-fruit must be given the first priority to move on the vital road linkbetween Jammu and Srinagar,” said Bashir.
When contacted, Director, Food Civil Supplies and ConsumerAffairs, Muhammad Qasim Wani said the decision to allow movement of truckloadsof goods through the Mughal Road was taken after “well-thought planning”. Wanisaid the alternate route will ensure smooth delivery of goods to the Valley.
“The duration for trucks being stranded on the Mughal Roadincase of inclement weather is much lesser than the Jammu-Srinagar NationalHighway. We are hopeful that since waiting time is less, perishables will notget damaged,” said Wani. “Our checking squads will be soon visiting the marketsto ensure that no overpricing of sacrificial animals takes place,” Wani said.