NEW DELHI: With mobile internet services suspended, additional police forces deployed and social media placed under round-the-clock surveillance, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Monday launched a major anti-encroachment drive in Jagatpura to clear structures and encroachments standing within the right-of-way of a proposed road expansion project.The demolition drive is aimed at clearing encroachments along a key road corridor near the Nandpuri Underpass to facilitate a long-pending road widening project. Officials said a mosque, two temples, a satsang hall and a mazar that fall within the designated right-of-way are among the structures were marked for removal. Additional police personnel have been deployed and surveillance intensified as the administration seeks to ensure the exercise proceeds peacefully.
24-hour ban
Internet suspended across parts of Jaipur
The Jaipur district administration ordered a temporary shutdown of mobile internet services across Jaipur North and Jaipur East police districts from Sunday midnight to Monday midnight ahead of the anti-encroachment drive.The order, issued by Jaipur Divisional Commissioner V Saravana Kumar, suspends 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G mobile internet services, along with bulk SMS, MMS and social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook and X. Voice calling services remain unaffected.The restrictions apply across all police station areas under Jaipur North and Jaipur East districts, except the Rajasthan International Centre in Jhalana and adjoining localities.Officials said the decision was taken as a preventive measure amid apprehensions that social media and internet-based platforms could be used to spread rumours and disturb public peace.The demolition drive is part of a broader effort to widen the road running parallel to the railway line from the Nandpuri Underpass in Jagatpura to its sanctioned width of 80 feet.
Demolition drive in Jaipur (PTI photo)
JDA officials said five religious structures fall within the road’s right-of-way and are therefore slated for removal. These include a mosque, two temples, a satsang bhavan and a mazar.Authorities said the road remains significantly narrower than its recorded width at several points, making the widening project necessary to improve connectivity and bring the corridor in line with approved planning norms.
Police step up monitoring
Authorities said online platforms would remain under close watch throughout the operation.“Special surveillance will be maintained on social media and other digital platforms during the operation. The police’s cyber unit and law-and-order teams will conduct continuous monitoring,” Jaipur Police Commissioner Sachin Mittal said.He warned of strict action against anyone spreading “religious frenzy, hatred or misinformation” online, saying anti-social elements may attempt to disturb communal harmony through provocative videos, posts or misleading content.Mittal said individuals attempting to inflame religious sentiments or circulate false information would face legal consequences. He added that cyber and law-and-order units had been directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and respond swiftly to rumours or misinformation.
Curbs imposed on public gatherings
Police have prohibited rallies, processions, demonstrations, public meetings and mass gatherings across the Jaipur Police Commissionerate area without prior permission. The restrictions, however, do not apply to wedding processions or funeral gatherings.The administration has also barred the assembly of five or more people at public places without permission and urged residents to cooperate in maintaining peace. Officials warned that action would be taken against those violating the orders.“In today’s operation, there are about 10 to 12 illegal structures that are being removed because they encroach upon the sector road. The situation is completely peaceful, and there is no opposition so far. Internet services have been suspended as a precautionary measure. The public is cooperating in maintaining peace,” said ASP Dhayal.Officials said the operation has so far remained peaceful, with residents cooperating with the administration.
Earlier notices issued before action
According to Anand Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of the JDA Vigilance Wing, 134 encroachments along the same route were removed during a drive conducted on May 22.He said the managements and individuals associated with the religious structures located within the road boundary had been given time to remove the constructions voluntarily. Following the expiry of the stipulated period, the administration initiated direct action to clear the remaining encroachments.Officials maintained that the current exercise is part of an ongoing effort to reclaim public land and implement the city’s planned infrastructure expansion.