Highway closure: No market regulation, soaring vegetable prices add to the miseries of people

Srinagar: The soaring prices of vegetables and other stuff due to closure of Srinagar-Jammu highway have levied an additional burden on the people of Kashmir who have already suffered heavily since August 2019.

Quoting local residents, Kashmir News Trust (KNT) reported that vegetable prices have gone beyond their purchasing capacity while the continuous shut down of Srinagar-Jammu Highway have also decreased the availability of vegetables in the market.

Vegetable sellers seel potatoes for Rs 50 per kg, Onion Rs 70 per kg, Beans Rs 50 per kg, Cabbage Rs 60 per kg, Tomato Rs 50 per kg while green leafy vegetables have also become very expensive and are selling for Rs 70 per kg, locals from Srinagar say.

Even a tray of eggs is being sold at Rs 200. The consumers are finding it hard to purchase groceries due to skyrocketing prices.

Fatima, a lady from Maisuma area of Kashmir capital Srinagar told KNT that the cost at which the vegetables are being sold these days are double the usual.

“The profiteers take full advantage of situation and whenever Srinagar-Jammu Highway gets closed, they leave no stone unturned in looting the people,” she said.

The market checking squad has gone in hibernation since January 3, when snow lashed Valley.

“Frankly speaking we are unable to check the market due to snow accumulation. In interiors we can’t move. There are lanes and by-lanes where snow has still not been cleared,” said a Checking Squad official on condition of anonymity. (KNT)