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 initiated a large-scale anti-encroachment operation in Jagatpura. The drive aims to clear structures and encroachments that lie within the right-of-way of a proposed road expansion project.
Demolition Drive Targets Key Corridor
The demolition effort is focused on clearing encroachments along a crucial road corridor near the Nandpuri Underpass to facilitate a long-pending road widening project. Officials confirmed that a mosque, two temples, a satsang hall, and a mazar, all falling within the designated right-of-way, are among the structures marked for removal. Additional police personnel have been deployed, and surveillance has been intensified to ensure the exercise proceeds without incident.
24-Hour Internet Ban in 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 stated that the decision was a preventive measure amid concerns that social media and internet-based platforms could be used to spread rumors and disturb public peace.
Road Widening Project Details
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. JDA officials noted that five religious structures fall within the road's right-of-way and are therefore slated for removal: a mosque, two temples, a satsang bhavan, and a mazar. Authorities explained that 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 confirmed that online platforms will remain under close watch throughout the operation. Jaipur Police Commissioner Sachin Mittal stated, “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.” He warned of strict action against anyone spreading “religious frenzy, hatred or misinformation” online, noting that anti-social elements may attempt to disturb communal harmony through provocative videos, posts, or misleading content. Mittal added that individuals attempting to inflame religious sentiments or circulate false information would face legal consequences, and cyber and law-and-order units have been directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and respond swiftly to rumors or misinformation.
Curbs 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 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. ASP Dhayal commented, “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.” Officials said the operation has so far remained peaceful, with residents cooperating.
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 stated that 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.
