Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 6: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Khan today said that effective measures will be taken to ensure free movement of vehicles carrying fruits from Kashmir to other parts of the country.
While chairing a meeting of officers here today, the Divisional Commissioner said that fruit industry is the backbone of Kashmir economy and all necessary measures will be put in place to ensure that Rs 6000 crore worth industry does not affect owing to the ongoing unrest in the Valley.
The Director Horticulture, Planning and Marketing, Rafiq Ahmad Hakim informed that the Valley exports 18-20 metric tons of fresh and dry fruits every year and contributes a major portion in the State’s economy.
He expressed concern over the inability of vehicles to transport the fruits to various parts of the country as the fruit season has already started in the Valley. He said if the free movement of vehicles was not allowed, the fruit industry will be badly hit. He appealed for free movement of trucks carrying fruits from the Valley.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner reviewed the progress of anti-encroachment drive launched by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA).
While reviewing the progress of drive, the Divisional Commissioner called upon the officers to act tough against the encroachers and implement the court directions in letter and spirit with regard to the encroachments around the Dal Lake and other places.
Earlier, officers of the SMC and LAWDA informed the Divisional Commissioner about the progress of anti-encroachment drive in Srinagar on Saturday wherein several illegal constructions that had been raised around Dal Lake and other parts of Srinagar by some unscrupulous elements while taking advantage of the prevailing law and order situation. All such illegal structures were dismantled/removed by the enforcement authorities of LAWDA and SMC during the special demolition drive.
The Divisional Commissioner cautioned the people against indulging in encroachments under the garb of the prevailing situation and sought cooperation from all sections of the society in preventing the Srinagar city and its peripheries from falling prey to the greed of the encroachers and land-grabbers.
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