Ghaziabad: In a rare and inspiring administrative gesture, Ghaziabad District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar reached the site of an ongoing farmers’ protest in Talheta village of Modinagar by riding a motorcycle, leaving behind the usual official convoy. The move not only surprised the protesters but also created an atmosphere of trust and dialogue, eventually leading to the suspension of the protest.
The farmers had been staging a dharna near the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, raising concerns related to road construction work, land issues, and alleged negligence in soil refilling after excavation.
DM Listens to Farmers Without Formalities
On Monday, during the district’s public grievance hearing, farmers met the DM and presented their complaints. Soon after, DM Mandar decided to personally visit the protest site. Instead of arriving in an official vehicle, he chose to reach the location on a bike, directly entering the gathering without any unnecessary formalities.
Witnesses said the mood at the protest site changed immediately as the DM stood among the farmers, listened patiently, and assured them of timely action.
Visited the Spot and Inspected the Situation
The farmers alleged that during road construction, soil had been taken from their land but the refilling work was not done properly, leaving uneven land and damage to agricultural fields.
Taking the matter seriously, the DM visited the spot along with farmers and officials. During inspection, the concerned agency was found carrying out refilling work. DM Mandar instructed the agency staff on the spot to immediately correct deficiencies wherever required.
Clear Instructions: No Land Acquisition Without Compensation
Farmers also demanded a proper land measurement survey and insisted that possession of land should only be given after receiving full compensation.
Responding firmly, the DM directed officials that no land should be taken from any farmer without lawful compensation and assured the farmers that all action would be taken strictly as per government rules and legal procedures.
Protest Called Off After Direct Dialogue
The DM continued interacting with the farmers for a considerable time, addressing their concerns and issuing immediate directions to the concerned departments. After the discussion, farmers announced that they would suspend the dharna for now, trusting the administration’s assurance.
Who is DM Ravindra Kumar Mandar?
DM Ravindra Kumar Mandar is a 2013-batch IAS officer, originally from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Before being posted in Ghaziabad, he has served as District Magistrate in major districts such as Prayagraj, Jaunpur, and Rampur.
He also played a significant role in successfully managing the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Earlier in his career, he served as Joint Magistrate in Firozabad.
Known for Sensitivity Towards Farmers
This is not the first time DM Mandar has displayed compassion and responsiveness towards citizens. In December, a poor farmer visited the collectorate with a pending electricity bill. Seeing his condition, the DM reportedly extended financial help of ₹5,100 from his own pocket.
A Message of Ground-Level Governance
DM Mandar’s decision to reach the protest site on a bike has been widely appreciated as an example of proactive and people-centric administration. His direct approach reflects a style of governance where leadership is not limited to offices, but is visible on the ground among the people.