Farmers from Uttar Pradesh, led by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and other organizations, have commenced a protest march towards Delhi today, December 2, 2024. This demonstration is aimed at pressing for various demands related to compensation and benefits under new agricultural laws. The march began at noon from the Mahamaya Flyover in Noida, with farmers utilizing both foot and tractors to make their way towards the Parliament complex amid heightened security measures.
#WATCH | Noida, UP | Protesting farmers climb over police barricades at Dalit Prerna Sthal as they march towards Delhi over their various demands pic.twitter.com/39xs9Zx5mn
---Advertisement---— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024
Traffic in parts of Delhi and Noida has been severely disrupted as farmers commenced their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march towards Parliament on Monday. Organized by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and various farmer groups from at least 20 districts, the march is aimed at urging the central government to address their demands concerning agricultural policies.
BKP leader Sukhbir Khalifa confirmed on Sunday that the farmers’ march was primarily focused on securing compensation for losses incurred due to recent agricultural challenges and ensuring benefits under the new agricultural laws. The farmers are also demanding changes in policies that they claim are detrimental to their interests.
#WATCH | Chilla border, Delhi | On deployment of police force at Delhi-UP Chilla border due to farmers' protest, ADCP Eastern Range, Sagar Singh Kalsi says, "Our preparations are concrete. pic.twitter.com/49NAGjAlRM
— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024
The protest, which began early Monday, saw thousands of farmers from different parts of northern India, Uttar Pradesh, converging at key entry points to Delhi. They are marching toward the Parliament complex to register their grievances and push for policy reforms that they believe are essential for the welfare of farmers.
In anticipation of the protest, authorities have put in place heavy security measures, including barricades and restrictions on movement in certain areas, particularly around the border regions of Delhi and Noida. Police forces have been deployed to manage the situation and ensure that the march remains peaceful. However, the scale of the protest has led to significant traffic disruptions, especially during peak hours, with commuters facing long delays on major roads leading to the national capital.
#WATCH | Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Massive traffic snarl at DND flyway as farmers from Uttar Pradesh are on a march towards Delhi starting today. pic.twitter.com/HPVgEiRQUV
— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024
Key Demands of Farmers
- Land Compensation and Allocation: Farmers are demanding a 10% allocation of plots from land acquired for development projects. They seek a 64.7% increase in compensation under the previous land acquisition law, which should be equivalent to four times the market rate for land acquired after January 1, 2014. Additionally, they request that 20% of plots be allocated for this land.
- Employment and Rehabilitation: There is a call for employment and rehabilitation benefits specifically for the children of landless farmers.
- Implementation of High Power Committee Directives: Farmers are urging the government to execute orders issued by the High Power Committee related to agricultural policies and land acquisition.
- Settlement of Populated Areas: They demand fair and equitable arrangements for resettling populated areas impacted by land acquisition processes.
- Withdrawal of Cases Against Protestors: Farmers are also calling for the withdrawal of legal cases against individuals involved in previous protests, particularly those from the 2020-2021 agitation.
These demands reflect ongoing concerns regarding agricultural policies, compensation for land acquisition, and support for farming communities facing economic hardships. The protest is significant as it coincides with the Winter Session of Parliament, where discussions on these issues are expected to take place. As the march continues, farmers are hopeful that their voices will be heard in the corridors of power and that their demands will lead to meaningful changes in agricultural policy.
To help commuters navigate the traffic chaos, the Noida Police have recommended several alternate routes.
Traffic Diversions:
- Chilla Border to Greater Noida: Take the Sector 14-A flyover, Golchakkar Chowk, Sandeep Paper Mill Chowk, and Jhunjhupura Chowk
- DND Border to Delhi: Follow the Film City flyover, Sector-18, and the Elevated Road.
- Kalindi Border to Delhi: Use the Mahamaya flyover and Sector-37.
- Greater Noida to Delhi: Travel via Charkha roundabout, Kalindi Kunj, or the Hajipur underpass through Sector-51 and Model Town.
- Yamuna Expressway: Exit at Jewar toll and proceed via Khurja and Jahangirpur.
- Peripheral Expressway Traffic: Take the Dadri or Dasna exits instead of the Sirsa exit.
Also Read: Bangladesh: Why Were 63 ISKCON Monks Barred From Entering India Despite Having Valid Visas?
