Farm protests damaging DME, NHAI writes to Delhi and Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has yet again raised concern over the deteriorating condition of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) at UP Gate, where protesting farmers have laid siege to for 10 months now.
In its letter to the Ghaziabad district magistrate, the highways authority has claimed that water outlet points on the expressway have been purposely plugged, which leads to accumulation of water, while illegal electricity connections have damaged panels leading to voltage fluctuations, which is dangerous for traffic.
The I has, in fact, raised 10 points in its letter and urged the authorities in Ghaziabad and Delhi Police to ensure proper police force so that maintenance work could be carried out.
“The seige is not only causing inconvenience to commuters but due to lack of maintenance, it is posing a hazard to them. We have in the past tried to draw the attention of authorities but to no avail,” said Mudit Garg, project director, NHAI.
“Regular maintenance is vital for the longevity of the expressway. But we are not able to carry out maintenance work of the stretch occupied by protesting farmers. In fact, in July when we tried to visit the spot, we had an argument with the protesters,” he added.
The protesting farmers have, however, refuted the charges made by the NHAI, saying they have never stopped anyone for carrying out maintenance work.
“We have always been cooperative with the NHAI. This is a ploy on the part of NHAI to discredit out protest and this is being done at the behest of the government,” said Jagtar Singh Bajwa, a farmer leader.