On February 8, the Noida Police took proactive measures to enhance security along its borders with Delhi in anticipation of a farmers’ march to the Parliament. Traffic movement at various routes, including the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and DND, was reported to have slowed down due to the ongoing protest. To manage the situation effectively, barriers were installed at all borders of Delhi, and senior officials were deployed at various locations to control traffic.
The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police had already imposed CrPC section 144 as a precautionary measure. Additionally, a traffic advisory was issued to caution commuters about diversions on certain routes within the twin cities, considering the farmers’ movement on tractors.
A police spokesperson emphasized the need for heightened security measures, stating that barriers had been installed at all Delhi borders and key locations like Kisan Chowk. Each vehicle was subjected to thorough checks, leading to slower traffic movement. Continuous monitoring of traffic was ensured to mitigate any potential disruptions.
The farmers, led by the Bharatiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), planned to assemble at the Mahamaya Flyover in Noida before proceeding towards the Parliament in Delhi. Their objective was to press for long-pending demands related to compensation and land acquisition issues.
The farmers’ agitation in Noida and Greater Noida has been ongoing since December 2023, with demands for increased compensation and developed plots against land acquired by local development authorities in the past. Groups such as the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha have been advocating for 10% of abadi land for affected farmers.
The protest has seen farmers from more than 40 villages camping in Noida for the past five months, with a particular focus on the Noida Authority’s Sector 6 office, where they have been staging demonstrations for two months.
In light of the farmers’ movement, specific traffic routes in Noida were affected. Traffic was completely banned on certain stretches, including from Golchakkar Chowk Sector 15 to Sector 06 Chowki Chowk and from Sandeep Paper Mill Chowk to Harola Chowk. Diversions were implemented to minimize inconvenience for commuters, with alternative routes suggested for reaching various destinations.
Emergency vehicles were given priority during diversions to ensure their swift movement. Additionally, commuters were advised to contact the traffic helpline number provided in case of any inconvenience.
The decision to strengthen security measures and regulate traffic flow reflects the authorities’ commitment to maintaining law and order while respecting the farmers’ right to peaceful protest. By implementing proactive measures and issuing timely advisories, the Noida Police aimed to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety and security of all citizens during the farmers’ march.