Agriculturalists’ March Towards Delhi: Concerns Grow About Recurring Economic Damage From 2020–21 Protests

Punjab and Haryana’s economies might suffer yet another significant setback as a result of the several farmer unions’ February 13 “Delhi Chalo” appeal. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) estimates that the economies of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir lost Rs 3,500 crore a day during the preceding farmers’ protest over the three agricultural reform laws in 2020–21.

The suspension of train services also cost the Northern Railway Rs. 891 crore in revenue and Rs. 2,200 crore in overall profits. Since many farmer’s organizations from Punjab and Haryana are returning to march towards the nation’s capital, raising the possibility of yet another massive economic loss, Haryana’s business owners are concerned about how the farmers’ march may affect their operations and supply networks.

This year, the government has lost almost Rs 70 lakh in income per day due to the closure of the Shambhu border and toll plaza. This is comparable to the economic damage the government suffered the previous time, when the farmers’ movement swept across the Delhi NCR.

To halt the Punjabi farmers, the police administration has set up complex security measures in the border areas. Fourteen paramilitary companies are stationed between Sirsa and Dabwali, where they have enforced a one-way traffic pattern on the Ghaggar bridge.

While farmers continue to demonstrate against the new agricultural regulations, the district administration of Fatehabad has implemented stringent efforts to close all borders with Punjab. Nails, cement pillars, barricades, concrete barriers, earth, stones, and containers have all been used to obstruct the roadways. Automobiles traveling to or from Punjab must take detours.

Large numbers of security personnel have been stationed along the border, particularly at NH 44, Hisar Road, and Highway 148B. Barbed wire and CCTV cameras have also been erected to keep an eye on the situation.

The Sonipat sarpanch and businessmen have urged the farmers to refrain from violence and practice moderation. They said that the industrial sector and farmers had suffered greatly as a result of the farmer movement.