Farmers Stage Highway Blockade in Yamunanagar Over Dangerous Road Conditions
In a significant demonstration of public discontent, farmers affiliated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait) staged a major protest in Yamunanagar on Tuesday, blocking the crucial Kurukshetra–Saharanpur state highway for nearly two and a half hours. The protest was triggered by the severely damaged and hazardous condition of the road, which farmers allege has become a daily threat to commuters and local residents.
Traffic Chaos and Stranded Vehicles
The blockade, which began around noon near the Damla village area, resulted in extensive traffic disruptions. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides of the highway, with at least six Haryana Roadways buses becoming stranded in the ensuing traffic jam. The farmers, gathering under the BKU (Tikait) banner, expressed their frustration over what they described as the administration's failure to address the deteriorating infrastructure.
Farmers' Grievances and Administration's Response
The protesters accused the state administration and the Public Works Department (PWD) of repeatedly making empty promises without initiating any substantial repair work. "We have met the PWD executive engineer several times, and each time we were given false assurances. The District Commissioner does not listen to our grievances," stated BKU Tikait farmer leader Subhash Gurjar. He contrasted the current situation with the tenure of former DC Parth Gupta, claiming that issues were resolved more effectively under his leadership.
Police personnel arrived at the scene shortly after being informed and attempted to persuade the farmers to clear the road. However, the protesters remained steadfast in their demands. The situation escalated with the arrival of SDM Jagadhri Vishwanath and DSP Radaur Ashish Chaudhary, who engaged in discussions with the farmers. In a symbolic act of defiance, the farmers organized a langar (community kitchen) on the road itself, declaring that the blockade would continue until a firm commitment to repairs was secured.
Official Assurances and Resolution
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the SDM summoned the PWD executive engineer to the protest site. After detailed negotiations, the SDM assured the farmers that repair work had already commenced and pledged that the road would be made completely pothole-free by February 28. Officials disclosed that the road's base was entirely damaged, necessitating a comprehensive repair plan with an estimated cost of approximately Rs 38 crore for permanent fixes.
A specific portion of the road near Damla village is slated for reconstruction as a cement concrete (CC) road, marking a significant upgrade from its current state. Following these assurances, the farmers agreed to call off the protest and lifted the blockade, allowing traffic to resume.
Future Implications and Farmer Ultimatum
Despite the temporary resolution, farmer leader Subhash Gurjar issued a stern warning: "If a single pothole is found after February 28, we will gherao (surround) the SDM office." This statement underscores the ongoing tension and the farmers' determination to hold authorities accountable for their promises. The protest highlights broader issues of infrastructure maintenance and public accountability in the region, with the February 28 deadline now serving as a critical benchmark for the administration's credibility.
