SRINAGAR: Amid supply concerns following the blockade of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Monday reassured the public that the Valley has ample reserves of essential fuels—urging people not to panic or form queues at petrol stations.
Speaking at a high-level meeting convened to review the availability of essential commodities and assess weather-related damages, Bidhuri informed that Kashmir currently holds enough LPG stock to last 17 days. Additionally, 10,000 kilolitres of petrol are available—sufficient for the next 16 days—while the diesel stock stands at 12,500 kilolitres, enough to meet local demand for over 12 days.
He said significant efforts are underway to restore the National Highway, which has been partially blocked due to recent flash floods in Ramban. “We expect full restoration within four to five days,” he said, adding that light motor vehicles are already being allowed one-way traffic via the Mughal Road.
To curb unnecessary hoarding and public anxiety, the Divisional Commissioner directed Deputy Commissioners to carry out joint market inspections and take action against profiteering. Superintendents of Police have also been asked to deploy personnel at fuel stations to prevent chaotic queues and maintain order.
On the agricultural front, Bidhuri expressed concern over damage caused to apple orchards by recent hailstorms and strong winds. He instructed all Deputy Commissioners to constitute teams for immediate field assessments and report the extent of the damage to the administration.
Addressing the issue of stranded tourists, the Div Com directed the SSP Traffic Rural and the Deputy Commissioner of Shopian to prioritise the movement of tourist vehicles via the Mughal Road, ensuring their safe and timely evacuation.
