AGARTALA, July 21 (TIWN): Tripura’s food stock which was for 55 days have narrowed down to 40 days ringing alarms of food crisis in the state. Food consignments are unable to enter the state due to the poor condition of NH 8 (44).Talking to TIWN correspondent, State’s Food and Civil supplies director Soumitra Banerjee said that Essential commodities and fuel on trucks are stuck on National Highway after incessant rains damaged many portions of the arterial road. However, as the goods loaded truck are unable to enter the state it is posing an alarm to the state.Food & Civil Supplies further said that if the situation of the NH 8(44) does not improve, it will surely spike up food crisis in the state.The lack of movement of vehicles on the Assam-Agartala National Highway 8 (44) has caused widespread distress across the State, with reports claiming that petrol prices have shot up to Rs. 250 per litre in some areas of the State and spiking up the crisis of essential goods in the state. The long stretch of the Assam-Agartala NH 8 (44) at Lowerpoa in Karimganj district of Assam was badly damaged during floods and thousands of trucks carrying essential commodities and fuel are stranded.

Trhousands of trucks have been stranded for almost a month, making it difficult to transport supplies to Tripura.

The Tripura government has imposed rationing in the use of fuel. It is to be mentioned here that here is buffer stock of food grains for 40 days at present in the state and if situation does not improves the buffer stock will come down more.

All petrol pumps in the State have been instructed not to sell fuel worth more than Rs. 200 at a time to any vehicles.

It is to be mentioned here that officials also fear a possible shortage of essential commodities, if the problem persists for another week. The transport workers are reportedly suffering from food and water shortage.

A vast number of commuters and drivers of the vehicles including night supers and goods carrying trucks are facing several problems due to poor condition of National HighwayNH-44.

The present road turned from its original shape to muddy and is flooded with water as incessant rainfall has clogged the roads resulting traffic jams and irregularities of transpiration. Unfortunately, commuters have no option but to travel through this long stretch of jumping road full of potholes and boulders, at times risking their own life, while on other occasions, putting their lives and safety in the hands of the driver.

Allegedly, the condition of the NH-44 is worsening day-by-day due to negligence of PWD and the agencies assigned by the department. The condition of the NH- 44 is in such a bad shape in some spots, it could be snapped at anytime", the source added.