Chandigarh: Traffic movement between Punjab and Chandigarh is likely to be affected today as 32 farmer organisations from Punjab, under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, prepare to march towards Chandigarh for a week-long protest. (Farmers Protest Today)
The farmers are scheduled to begin their march at 10 am, with groups expected to travel from different districts and villages. Senior Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Balbir Singh Rajewal is leading the mobilisation, which is expected to bring a sizeable number of participants into the city.
The protestors plan to establish a seven-day sit-in camp in Sector 48, Chandigarh. Farmer leaders have already held meetings to coordinate the movement and complete arrangements for the stay.
Participants are expected to reach Chandigarh using tractor-trolleys as well as buses, cars and motorcycles. In view of the expected movement, police authorities in Chandigarh and Mohali have issued a traffic advisory for commuters.
Route From IISER Chowk Closed
As part of the traffic arrangements, the stretch connecting IISER Chowk to Chandigarh through Bestech Mall, Phase 11, Mohali and Jagatpura will remain closed to vehicles during the protest movement.
Commuters have been advised to avoid the affected stretch and opt for alternate routes. Police have suggested three possible options for people travelling towards Chandigarh.
One route is through Landran Road, the Sector 82/83 stretch and Jagatpura. Another option takes motorists through Airport Road, IT City and Aerocity, while the third route involves Phase 9, Sector 66/68 and Jagatpura.
Farmers Complete Protest Arrangements
Organisers said preparations for the week-long stay at Sector 48 have been completed. Arrangements have been made for essential requirements including food, drinking water, medicines and accommodation.
Farmer leaders have also instructed workers involved in the mobilisation to ensure that the necessary facilities are arranged in advance so that participants do not face difficulties during the protest.
Meanwhile, police have asked commuters to check their routes before leaving and follow traffic signs as well as instructions issued by personnel deployed in the area.
With a large number of farmers expected to enter Chandigarh from Punjab, authorities have warned that traffic congestion and diversions could affect the Mohali-Chandigarh corridor during the day.
