'Delhi Chalo' march: Fresh traffic advisory issued ahead of farmers' protest

A fresh traffic advisory was issued in the national capital as Delhi Police beefed up security on Wednesday, asking its personnel to ensure strict vigil at the three borders -- Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur -- after farmers announced to continue their 'Delhi Chalo' agitation.

The traffic police advised commuters to avoid several roads in central Delhi due to special traffic arrangements.

“On 21-02-24, due to special traffic arrangements kindly avoid IP Marg in both the carriageways from IP Flyover towards A-point and vice-versa, ITO Chowk, DDU Marg, BSZ Marg, JLN Marg, Shanti Van crossing and Rajghat crossing from 0930 hrs to 1130 hrs," read the advisory said.

The Noida Police have also warned of potential traffic diversions in Noida and Greater Noida regions due to the farmers' protest march. If required, diversions may be placed from Pari Chowk, LG Roundabout, Moser Bear Roundabout, Galgotia Cut, Durga Talkies Roundabout, and Surajpur Chowk, the advisory stated.

It further stated that emergency vehicles will be allowed to pass during the traffic diversions. In case of any traffic inconvenience, commuters have been asked to contact the traffic helpline number 9971009001.

This comes a day after the protesting farmers rejected the central government's proposal to buy pulses, maize, and cotton crops through central agencies at minimum support price (MSP) for five years. The farmer leaders said they would continue with their agitation.

On Wednesday, traffic was hit on Delhi-Gurugram, Delhi-Bahadurgarh, and several other roads after security was tightened to ensure law and order, reports said.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Wednesday said the protesting farmers will march towards Delhi peacefully.

“Our intention is not to disturb peace,” PTI quoted Dallewal as saying.

He further criticised the government for setting up multi-layered barricades at the border points between the states of Punjab and Haryana to prevent the farmers from heading toward Delhi.

“We request that we want to go to Delhi peacefully. The government should itself remove the barricades and give us the permission to march towards Delhi and make arrangements for our sitting in Delhi,” Dallewal said.

Farmers' march towards Delhi will start at 11 am, he stated.

During the fourth round of talks with the farmer leaders, the Centre's panel proposed that government agencies would buy pulses, maize, and cotton at the MSP for five years. However, the farmer leaders refused the proposal and said it was not in their favour.

The 'Delhi Chalo' march is spearheaded by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.