Bharat Bandh today: Noida, Delhi, Ghaziabad traffic and travel advisory to follow

Today, February 16, India sees a nationwide protest as workers and farmers have announced a sectoral industrial strike and Gramin Bharat Bandh. 

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, representing farmers in a non-political capacity, has issued a call for unity among farmer organisations to participate in the day-long protest. 

The nationwide strike is called from 6 AM to 4 PM.

If reports are to go by, the protest will feature extensive chakka jams, or roadblocks, on major thoroughfares across the country, with a particular focus on Punjab where most state and national highways are expected to be closed for four hours.

In Noida, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police will enforce restrictions, including CrPC Section 144, to prohibit unauthorised public gatherings throughout the district due to the Bharat Bandh called by farmers' unions.

Delhi could also experience traffic congestion as a result of the nationwide farmers' protest.

A joint statement signed by 34 public intellectuals and artists has voiced support for the strike, urging people from diverse backgrounds to stand in solidarity with the farmers and workers. 

Despite the disruption caused by the Bharat Bandh, emergency services such as ambulance operations, medical shops, and schools are expected to remain operational, ensuring minimal impact on essential services.

The strike and Bharat Bandh represent a unified effort by workers and farmers to highlight pressing issues and demand action from the government. 

With widespread support and participation, the protest aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by these marginalised groups and push for meaningful change.

This nationwide Gramin Bharat Bandh, called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and central trade unions, is the reaction to the treatment received by the farmers at the Haryana border. 

The Haryana police used tear gas to stop the march of the farmers. As per reports, the Gramin Bharat Bandh is expected to impact the following:

1) Nationwide transportation

2) Shops in rural areas

3) Ongoing MNREGA works

4) Industrial works in rural areas

5) Private offices

6) Service sector

7) All agricultural activities.