Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Kashmir, Dr Owais Ahmad, on Saturday assured the public that there is no shortage of essentials in the Valley despite disruptions caused by the closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway.
“We have sufficient stock available. The highway has been partially restored and our supplies are already on the way. People should not panic,” Dr Owais Ahamd, told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
Responding to complaints of overpricing of essential commodities in local markets during the highway blockade, the Director said strict monitoring is underway.“We have constituted special market-checking teams in all districts to prevent overpricing. While some issues may have arisen due to demand and supply pressure, the situation is being brought under control. With supplies reaching again, prices will stabilize,” he assured.
On the concerns over the quality of fruits and vegetables reaching markets in recent days, Ahmad said the department is conducting regular inspections.
“Our teams are constantly monitoring the quality of products in markets across Kashmir. There may have been some issues due to the disruption of supplies on the highway, but the matter is being addressed and will soon normalize,” he added.
When asked about the recent Kashmir meat scandal, Owais Ahmad clarified that the matter is being handled by the Food Safety Department.
“It pertains to the food safety department. I think the FIRs have already been registered in this regard,” he said.(KINS)
