Massive Encroachment Drive in Jaipur Amid Tight Security

• Jaipur begins large-scale anti-encroachment operation in Jagatpura
• Internet services suspended for 24 hours in affected areas
• Five religious structures among encroachments marked for removal
• Road widening project expected to ease traffic and improve connectivity

GG News Bureau
Jaipur, 8th June: The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and district administration on Monday launched a major anti-encroachment drive in the Jagatpura area under extensive security arrangements aimed at ensuring law and order during the operation.

Authorities suspended internet services for 24 hours, deployed around 3,000 police personnel, imposed movement restrictions in sensitive locations and activated drone surveillance as the demolition exercise began.

The operation seeks to widen a road running parallel to the railway line near the Nandpuri Underpass from its current width of 25-30 feet to the planned 80 feet. Officials said the project is crucial for improving connectivity between Malviya Nagar, Jagatpura, Pratap Nagar and Jaipur Airport.

According to JDA Vigilance Wing Deputy Inspector General Anand Sharma, 134 encroachments had already been removed during an earlier phase of the drive conducted on May 22. Property owners and management committees were given time to voluntarily remove structures before the administration initiated direct action.

The latest phase includes the removal of five religious structures, including the Noorani Mosque, two temples, a satsang hall and a mazar that fall within the proposed road alignment.

Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals spreading rumours, misinformation or content capable of disturbing public peace. Citizens were urged to maintain communal harmony and rely only on verified information.

The Noorani Mosque has emerged as the most sensitive aspect of the operation. Community representatives and local leaders had recently held discussions opposing the demolition and seeking alternative solutions.

Congress MLA Amin Kagzi said community members had proposed reducing the size of the mosque rather than demolishing it entirely. Another Congress MLA, Rafiq Khan, argued that the mosque and other structures predated the JDA master plan that later designated the stretch as an 80-foot-wide road corridor.

Authorities, however, maintained that revenue records clearly identify the road as an 80-foot-wide public corridor and that notices had been issued to all encroachers before the demolition process began.

Officials said the road expansion will provide an alternative route for commuters from nearly 50 surrounding colonies and significantly reduce congestion at the Jagatpura railway crossing, where traffic bottlenecks frequently occur.

The widened corridor is also expected to improve access to Jagatpura Railway Station and Jaipur International Airport while reducing pressure on major city roads, including Hare Krishna Marg, Balaji Mod and Apex Circle.

The administration said the operation would continue until all notified encroachments are cleared and the road development project is completed.