DXP Welfare Association, which represents the interest of homebuyers along the Dwarka Expressway, began an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday seeking completion of the road and shifting of the Kherki Daula toll plaza.
Several members of the association and nearby residents participated in the hunger strike.
The initial stretches of the Dwarka e-way, also known as Package 1 and 2, which fall in Delhi are stuck due to lack of clearance from Delhi government. The association members claimed that they met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking a quick clearance, but there was no positive response.
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Official apathy
Leading the protest, DXP Welfare Association president Yashesh Yadav expressed anguish over the indifferent attitude of the authorities and the Delhi and Haryana governments. He said “Dwarka e-way being the best solution to reduce traffic congestion and pollution on National Highway-48 and lifeline for lakh of homebuyers is an absolute requirement. Now, the people have lost faith in empty promises on completion of the e-way and shifting of Kherki Daula toll plaza.”
“Our demands for shifting the toll plaza and completion of e-way are pending for more than a decade now. We are now left with no option, but to sit on a hunger strike,” said DXPWA executive member Kanchan Jain.
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Samir, a Delhi resident, who joined the protest, said “I wasted many hours travelling to and fro Gurugram and Delhi amid huge traffic jams on NH-48. I then decided to buy a flat in Gurugram. Did I buy the house to protest and sit on hunger strike to get things corrected? On what grounds will political parties ask for votes this year?”
Sudhir Garg, another resident, complained that he had to shell out a hefty amount as toll charges every month and wait at the toll plaza due to traffic snarls. He demanded that the toll be removed at the earliest.
The association members will also perform a havan on Saturday to seek ‘divine intervention’ for the speedy completion of the e-way.