Jaipur authorities on Sunday launched a massive anti-encroachment drive in the city’s Jagatpura area, temporarily suspending mobile internet services and cutting electricity supply in some localities as a precautionary measure. The operation, led by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA), targeted several illegal structures — including religious sites — standing along a road expansion corridor near the Nandpuri Underpass. With nearly 3,000 police personnel deployed, the administration moved aggressively to prevent any unrest while carrying out one of the city’s most sensitive demolition drives in recent years.
Road-Widening Project Behind the Demolition
According to officials, the anti-encroachment drive is part of a major infrastructure project aimed at widening a road running parallel to the railway line. The road, currently around 25 to 30 feet wide, is planned to be expanded to nearly 80 feet to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the rapidly growing Jagatpura area.
Authorities said notices had already been issued after an earlier demolition drive conducted on May 22, during which 134 encroachments were removed from the same route. Those occupying structures falling within the designated Right of Way (ROW) were reportedly given time to voluntarily clear the land before the administration initiated direct action.
Religious Structures at the Centre of the Operation
Senior police officers remained stationed at the site throughout the demolition process, while personnel from nearby police stations were kept on standby. Assistant Superintendent of Police Saroj Dhayal stated that the operation remained peaceful and that local residents were cooperating with officials.
Why Authorities Suspended Internet and Power
The Rajasthan administration temporarily suspended mobile internet services in parts of Jaipur and imposed power cuts in selected areas to prevent rumor-mongering and potential communal tensions. Divisional Commissioner V. Saravana Kumar said the restrictions were necessary to stop the misuse of social media platforms during the sensitive operation.
The decision reflects growing concern among authorities over how misinformation and inflammatory messages can rapidly escalate tensions during demolition drives involving religious sites.
Lessons from Earlier Clashes
The administration’s heavy security response was shaped largely by earlier violence during similar anti-encroachment operations. In December 2025, a demolition drive near a mosque in Chomu town, around 40 kilometers from Jaipur, turned violent after stone-pelting injured four police personnel. Police had then used tear gas and mild force to disperse crowds, while internet services were suspended for 24 hours.
Officials appear determined to avoid a repeat of such incidents, which partly explains the scale of deployment seen in Jagatpura.
Latest Updates from the Ground
Authorities confirmed that around 10 to 12 illegal structures were being cleared in the latest operation, including the five religious sites. As of Sunday evening, officials reported no major resistance or violence. Bulldozers continued clearing portions of the encroached land under tight police surveillance.
Balancing Urban Expansion with Communal Sensitivities
The Jaipur anti-encroachment drive highlights the difficult balance between urban development and communal sensitivity in rapidly expanding Indian cities. While authorities insist the operation is legally justified and necessary for infrastructure improvement, the extraordinary security arrangements underline fears of social and political fallout. The peaceful execution of the drive may set a precedent for future urban clearance operations, but it also raises broader questions about governance, public communication and the management of religiously sensitive spaces in densely populated areas.
(With agency inputs)
