Farmers’ Protest In Delhi: Check Traffic Restrictions In National Capital For Monday

Traffic police will erect barricades at city borders with Delhi on Monday as hundreds of farmers prepare to march to the capital, demanding higher compensation and developed plots in exchange for land acquired from them over the years.

According to police, farmers on tractors plan to take the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway at approximately 10am, potentially causing disruptions during Monday morning's rush hour traffic, reported the Times of India.

Barricades will be placed at major borders, including Kalindi Kunj, Chilla Gate, and DND Flyway. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lakhan Singh Yadav stated that all commercial goods vehicles, including trucks and tractors, would be prohibited on these critical routes for the day and redirected to alternative paths.

A traffic advisory issued on Sunday evening advised commuters to opt for the Metro or use alternate routes to reach Delhi. The advisory explained that goods vehicles approaching Chilla border would be diverted to the Sector 14A flyover and Sector 15. Vehicles on the DND Flyway will be directed to the U-turn at the Film City flyover in Noida.

Similarly, goods vehicles heading to Kalindi Kunj will be diverted via the Mahamaya Flyover towards Sector 37. Those arriving from the Yamuna Expressway will be re-routed through Jewar toll towards Khurja.

The farmers' decision to march to Delhi follows failed negotiations on Sunday between farmer groups, operating under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), and district authorities.

Sunil Pradhan, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait), stated that farmers are prepared for a long-term protest if required.

"The march will begin from the YEIDA office at 10am on Monday. We will take the Noida Expressway to reach Mahamaya and the Chilla border for Delhi. We are equipped with tractors, tents, and cooking materials, and we are prepared for an extended protest, if necessary," Pradhan said.

He further noted that scores of farmers, supported by 200 tractors, are ready to march from Greater Noida's Pari Chowk to Delhi via the Noida Expressway.

Rupesh Verma, district president of the All India Kisan Sabha, highlighted that farmers have long sought increased compensation for land acquired by the Noida Authority, GNIDA, and YEIDA. "We held meetings with officials from the district administration and authorities on Sunday, but no resolution was reached. That's why various farmer organisations decided to march to Delhi on December 2," he said.

The dispute dates back several years, with the three development authorities in Gautam Budh Nagar acquiring significant tracts of land for urbanisation and projects. In return, farmers have demanded an additional 64.7% compensation for the land acquired and 10% compensatory plots (kisan abadi).

The matter was taken to the Allahabad High Court, which ruled in favour of the farmers in 2011. This decision was upheld by the Supreme Court in May 2015.