New Delhi: The ongoing farmers’ protest and the subsequent sealing of the interstate Tikri border have sent ripples of concern through traders and manufacturers, particularly in Haryana’s Bahadurgarh and Delhi’s Bawana Industrial Area (BIA). With memories of the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation still fresh, stakeholders in these regions fear a repeat of the economic losses they endured during that period, estimated to exceed Rs 20 crore.
The Tikri region, situated in western Delhi, and its neighboring Bahadurgarh house one of the largest footwear manufacturing sectors, employing over 400,000 workers who commute daily to their workplaces. Sources indicate that during the farmers’ protest in 2021, the industry suffered substantial financial setbacks.
Beyond the footwear industry, concerns extend to manufacturers, traders, and industrialists in BIA. This industrial hub accommodates a diverse range of sectors, including plastic granules, stainless steel, clothing, and nuts and bolts. The prospect of prolonged border closure raises fears of further business disruptions and financial losses for these stakeholders.