Delhi pollution: Denied entry, truck drivers in limbo, say they will eat and sleep in vehicles

Most drivers The Indian Express spoke to said that while they support measures taken to contain pollution, they should have been informed of the decision in advance. “We can’t even leave our trucks and sleep in the dhabas alongside the road as we fear our goods might be stolen,” a driver said. Many sat around playing cards, listening to the radio and smoking bidis.

At the intersection, five traffic policemen and seven police officers kept watch to ensure only trucks carrying essential items such as fruits, vegetables and grains are allowed to pass. Some tried to get past the policemen but were made to turn back — only to block the road and cause traffic snarls.

Pratap Singh (45) left from Ambala on Thursday morning and reached the Delhi border around 1 am to find a long queue of trucks. He, too, was made to turn back. “I tried to get past them twice but failed. It seems we will be stuck here for the next three days,” he said.

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Singh added, “They should have informed us. The government wants to control pollution but what about the dust we are constantly inhaling here?”

Bhagwan Singh (32), who left from Ludhiana on Thursday and was stopped at the border around 3 am, said, “I drove for seven hours in the dense fog. I can’t even head back as it is risky to drive in such weather.”

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Others said even CNG vehicles were denied entry. Chandresh Yadav, who owns a CNG mini-truck, said, “When they can allow other CNG vehicles, why can’t they allow mine? I don’t have a helper and I cannot leave my vehicle and go anywhere.”

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