Gurgaon: Web campaign planned to get Kherki toll removed

A residents’ body protesting for removal of Kherki Daula toll is now planning to launch a digital drive to generate more support.

To put pressure on both the central and state governments, a residents’ body protesting for the removal of the Kherki Daula toll is now planning to launch a digital drive to generate more support.

A large number of farmers who bring flowers and vegetables to Gurgaon and Delhi markets are badly affected by the jams, the protesters said. (HT File Photo)

The Toll Hatao Sangarsh Samiti, which has been spearheading the campaign, plans to create awareness among commuters and also to reach out to the residents of 50 villages that are affected by the toll plaza.

“We will use WhatsApp, Twitter and other social networks to create awareness among the masses,” said Attar Singh, samiti chairman.

The samiti plans to create a dedicated Facebook page to connect with professionals and others in Gurgaon who are active online.

RS Rathee, the vice chairman of samiti, says an online petition will be created for people to endorse.

“There is a need for people to come together, both in person and online, to play an important role in building up this campaign. During the Sirhaul toll plaza agitation, we used Facebook effectively to communicate with people,” Rathee said.

“The villages (affected by the toll plaza) are spread out and it is very difficult to reach out to everyone as this is an apolitical movement that is funded by people themselves. We want the youth, the village elders and regular commuters to connect online and discuss issues,” said Rao Man Singh, a farmer activist from Farukkhnagar.

Singh says the toll is a major hindrance for farmers like him whose agricultural produce gets stuck daily at the plaza. A large number of farmers who bring flowers and vegetables to Gurgaon and Delhi markets are badly affected by the jams, he said.

“We will send SMS messages to farmers who don’t use social media ,” he said.

To make its presence felt, the samiti is also planning a motor cycle rally and a demonstration is in the next couple of weeks, Attar Singh said.