After being blocked for ten days due to a massive landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, National Highway 5 (NH 5) has finally reopened for traffic. This closure had caused significant disruptions, particularly for vehicles transporting goods like apples and peas. However, efforts have been made to mitigate these challenges.
On Sunday, NH 5 was once again accessible to travelers. Initially, it was opened for pedestrians in the morning, and later one-way traffic was allowed. This development was a relief for those who had been stranded due to the road closure.
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During the road closure, numerous vehicles, including trucks loaded with apples and peas, were stuck in the area. This situation severely affected the transportation of these goods from Kinnaur to Shimla. People faced difficulties as they had to climb to the top of the old Hindustan-Tibet road to reach a link road, which was about 5 kilometers away from the main road.
To address the challenges posed by the road closure, steps were taken. Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who is also the MLA from Kinnaur, shared that some trucks carrying apples were diverted from the Kaza-Kunzum road. Additionally, a ropeway was set up at Krampa in Negulsari, connecting to Dhumti on the Chaura-Rupi link road. This arrangement allowed for the transportation of apples and peas to markets despite the roadblock.
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Apple production in Kinnaur faced difficulties this year due to unpredictable weather conditions. It is estimated that around 30 lakh boxes of apples will be produced in 2023, compared to approximately 40-42 lakh boxes the previous year. The apple harvesting season typically starts in August, with apples from higher altitudes being harvested until the end of November.
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