Daijiworld Media Network – Jaipur
Jaipur, Jun 8: Internet services were suspended and more than 3,000 police personnel deployed across Jaipur on Monday as the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) launched a large-scale anti-encroachment drive in the city's Jagatpura area.
The operation is part of a long-pending road-widening project on Nandpuri Road, where authorities aim to expand a 1.5-km stretch running parallel to the railway line from its existing width of around 25-30 feet to the sanctioned width of 80 feet.
The Jaipur district administration said mobile internet services were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content on social media that could affect law and order during the demolition exercise.
The drive includes the removal of five religious structures located within the proposed road alignment, including a mosque, two temples, a satsang hall and a mazar.
Officials said the structures had been obstructing the road-widening project for several years. Notices were issued well in advance, and occupants were given sufficient time to voluntarily remove the constructions before direct action was initiated.
According to Anand Sharma, 134 encroachments along the same stretch were cleared during a demolition drive on May 22. Religious bodies and other occupants were subsequently granted additional time to comply with the notices, but the deadline has now expired.
To maintain order, authorities have put extensive security arrangements in place across the city. The deployment includes 12 companies of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary, with additional personnel brought in from the Jaipur, Kota and Bharatpur ranges.
Sensitive areas have been placed under heightened surveillance, and officials warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found spreading false, misleading or communally sensitive content online.
The administration said the road-widening project is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Jagatpura and key localities such as Malviya Nagar, Pradhan Marg and Apex Circle, while reducing traffic congestion on Hare Krishna Marg.
Officials estimate that nearly 50 residential colonies will benefit from the project once completed.
Residents have been advised to expect heavy security deployment and possible movement restrictions in and around the demolition site throughout the day.
The drive has also drawn criticism from some political leaders and community organisations. Congress MLA Rafiq Khan questioned the urgency of the exercise and said issues involving places of worship should be resolved through dialogue and consensus.
He urged authorities to ensure that communal harmony is maintained during the process.
Several community groups associated with the mosque and mazar have also objected to the demolition, alleging that the structures were being unfairly targeted. They said they would continue to challenge the action through legal and peaceful means.