Road blockade in Kullu leaves apple growers high and dry

Apple growers are grappling with significant challenges due to the blockade of the Sainj-Neuli-Shainshar road in Kullu district. The obstruction has severely hindered the transportation of horticultural produce from the Dehuridhar and Shainshar panchayats to distant markets. This disruption has caused considerable inconvenience to local apple farmers, who are struggling to manage the timely delivery of their crop.

Due to the blockade, heavy vehicles are unable to traverse the affected area, forcing growers to rely on light vehicles for transportation. This shift has proven to be a costly affair for them. Unlike trucks, which offer more economical transportation options, light carriers charge significantly higher fares. Consequently, apple growers are facing inflated transportation costs, which are further exacerbated by the pressing need to quickly deliver their produce to market.

Bhagat Ram Pradhan, a representative of the Dehuridhar gram panchayat, voiced the concerns of the local apple growers. He highlighted the severe inconvenience caused by the blockade and the subsequent reliance on light carrier vehicles. Pradhan criticised the high fares charged by these carriers, noting that they were exploiting the situation to their advantage. “The blockade has left us with no choice but to depend on these expensive light vehicles. Their exorbitant charges are putting an additional financial strain on our already struggling growers,” said Pradhan.

The blockade is attributed to a massive landslide near the Manu temple, which has further complicated efforts to clear the road.

Mahender Palsara, a resident, said due to the road blockade, the area residents were facing difficulty to avail transportation facility. Earlier an HRTC bus used to ply on this road but after blockade, the HRTC bus service was suspended on the route, he said. As a result, school children and other residents were facing a huge inconvenience.

Banjar Public Works Department XEN Chaman Singh Thakur said the ongoing monsoon season had made it impossible to remove the debris from the road. The continued rainfall increased the risk of landslides, which posed a significant challenge to restoration efforts, he said. Thakur assured that once the monsoon season concluded, the department would prioritise the restoration of the Sainj-Neuli-Shainshar road to alleviate the difficulties faced by the locals.

The road’s restoration is critical for the apple growers, whose livelihoods are intricately linked to timely transportation of horticulture produce to distant markets to fetch better prices for their produce.

Transportation hindered

• The obstruction has severely hindered the transportation of horticultural produce from the Dehuridhar and Shainshar panchayats to distant markets
• This disruption has caused considerable inconvenience to local apple farmers, who are struggling to manage the timely delivery of their crop
• Due to the blockade, heavy vehicles are unable to traverse the affected area, forcing growers to rely on light vehicles for transportation. This shift has proven to be a costly affair for them