Srinagar, Sep 02: The week-long closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway has not only crippled fruit trade but also triggered a steep rise in the prices of vegetables, poultry and other essentials across the valley, leaving the locals struggling with inflated prices of essentials.Locals in several areas across the valley, informed that both imported and locally cultivated vegetables are being sold at exorbitant rates. “We used to buy haakh (collard greens) at Rs 50, now it costs between Rs 80–90. Tomatoes and beans are also being sold at nearly double the usual price,” said Mohammed Latief, a resident of Sopore.
Similarly, in Baramulla, Bandipora and Srinagar markets, the chicken prices have shot up from Rs 125 per kilogram to Rs 190, while the cost of eggs has also climbed steeply. “How will poor families manage? We are paying Rs 190 for chicken and still the quality is not fresh. This is exploitation in the name of highway closure,” complained Aadil Firdous, a Baramulla resident.
Vendors, however, attribute the surge to supply shortages. “Supplies are not reaching on time and what little arrives comes at higher rates. We cannot sell at losses”, said a vegetable seller in Srinagar.Taking cognisance of the issue, the authorities in Baramulla said market checking squads have been activated to ensure genuine pricing. “Dealers have been strictly warned against overcharging. Anyone found violating the norms will face strict action,” an official said.
Residents, however, insisted that mere announcements won’t suffice. “There should be daily checks across all markets; otherwise consumers will continue to suffer.”
It is noteworthy that the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, the Valley’s only all-weather road link with the rest of the country, has remained blocked for nearly a week due to continuous landslides and shooting stones triggered by heavy rainfall in Ramban and adjoining stretches—(KNO)
