Delhi commuters face potential disruptions today as a day-long Kisan Mahapanchayat takes place at Kisan Ghat. Organized under the banner of "Desh Bachao Morcha," the protest targets a proposed India-US trade deal, prompting Delhi Traffic Police to issue a comprehensive advisory detailing expected diversions and congestion.
Routes to Avoid and Diversions Expected
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid Satyagrah Marg, Velodrome Road, Rajghat DTC Depot Road, Rajghat DTC Bypass Road, and other surrounding stretches where traffic movement is anticipated to be heavily affected. Police indicate that diversions may be enforced from key points such as Delhi Gate, Rajghat Crossing, Guru Nanak Chowk, Shantivan Chowk, Rajghat DTC Depot, and the IP Flyover to manage the flow.
Commuters heading to the airport, railway stations, or adjacent areas are urged to plan their journeys well in advance. Utilizing navigation applications for real-time traffic updates and adhering to directions from deployed traffic personnel are highly recommended. The public is also advised to park vehicles only in designated spots to prevent further congestion.
Why Farmers Are Protesting
The farmers are protesting against a proposed India-US trade deal, which they claim would allow cheaper agricultural imports into India. This influx, they argue, could severely undermine domestic farm incomes and destabilize the country's agricultural economy. Protest leaders assert that the pact would negatively impact farmers, agricultural laborers, livestock rearers, small traders, and micro industries, urging the central government to abandon the deal and protect local interests.
Security Measures and Farmer Movement
The farmers' convoy commenced its journey from Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib on Thursday morning, with over a thousand participants having spent the previous night at the gurdwara's sarai. The march proceeded towards Shambhu. In anticipation of the protest, the Haryana government significantly beefed up security at the Shambhu border point between Punjab and Haryana. Heavy police deployment, barricades, and cemented blocks were placed near the Ghaggar river bridge.
Farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher, criticized the Haryana government's actions, alleging attempts to prevent farmers from reaching Delhi. Reports also confirmed that Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni was detained in Kurukshetra while en route to Delhi, with claims of numerous workers being detained to thwart their participation.
The Delhi Traffic Police appeals to all commuters for their cooperation during the period of these restrictions to ensure smoother movement across the city.