Jaipur: The Jaipur district administration has placed the city on high alert and suspended internet services in several areas as authorities launched a large-scale anti-encroachment and demolition drive in the Jagatpura locality on Monday. The operation forms part of a long-pending infrastructure project aimed at widening Nandpuri Road, a key route expected to improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion for thousands of residents.
The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) initiated the demolition exercise along a 1.5-kilometre stretch of Nandpuri Road running parallel to the railway line. Officials plan to expand the road from its current width of approximately 25 to 30 feet to its sanctioned width of 80 feet. According to the administration, the project has faced delays for years due to encroachments and unauthorized structures located within the designated road boundary.
As part of the operation, authorities are removing five religious structures that fall within the proposed expansion corridor. These include a mosque, two temples, a satsang hall, and a mazar. Officials stated that all affected parties had been served notices well in advance and were given sufficient time to voluntarily remove the structures before direct action was undertaken.
The district administration said internet services were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumours, misinformation, or inflammatory content on social media that could potentially disturb public order. Authorities emphasized that maintaining peace and communal harmony remains a top priority throughout the exercise.
Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened across Jaipur. Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed in different parts of the city, including 12 companies of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC). Additional forces have also been mobilized from the Jaipur, Kota, and Bharatpur police ranges. Sensitive areas are being closely monitored, and surveillance has been intensified to ensure that no untoward incidents occur during the demolition process.
Anand Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of the JDA Vigilance Wing, noted that authorities had already cleared 134 encroachments along the same stretch during a previous drive conducted on May 22. Following that operation, religious organizations and other occupants were granted additional time to comply with the removal notices. With the extended deadline having expired, the administration proceeded with the current phase of the project.
Officials maintain that the road-widening initiative will deliver substantial public benefits once completed. The upgraded corridor is expected to improve connectivity between Jagatpura and important city locations such as Malviya Nagar, Pradhan Marg, and Apex Circle. It is also anticipated to reduce traffic pressure on Hare Krishna Marg and enhance overall mobility in the region.
According to the administration, nearly 50 residential colonies are expected to benefit from the project through reduced travel times, smoother traffic flow, and improved access to key commercial and residential zones.
However, the demolition drive has sparked criticism from certain political leaders and community groups. Congress MLA Rafiq Khan questioned the urgency of the action and argued that matters involving places of worship should ideally be resolved through dialogue and consensus. He urged authorities to proceed cautiously and ensure that social harmony is preserved.
Representatives associated with the affected mosque and shrine have also voiced objections, alleging that the structures were being unfairly targeted. They stated that they would continue to pursue legal remedies and peaceful means to challenge the action.
Despite the controversy, the administration has reiterated its commitment to completing the long-delayed infrastructure project while maintaining law and order across the city. Authorities have advised residents to expect heavy security deployment and possible movement restrictions near the demolition site throughout the day.
