India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Authorities in Jaipur have suspended mobile internet services in several parts of the city ahead of a major anti-encroachment drive involving multiple religious structures.
Jaipur authorities suspended mobile internet services June 8-9 in Jagatpura for an anti-encroachment drive removing religious structures for a JDA road-widening project, deploying 3,000 police and using drone surveillance to maintain order.
The administration has deployed around 3,000 police personnel and imposed strict security arrangements to maintain law and order during the operation, which is being carried out in the Jagatpura area of the city.
Officials said the action is part of a road-widening project aimed at improving traffic movement and public infrastructure.
Why Is The Demolition Drive Being Conducted?
The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) is carrying out the anti-encroachment drive near the Nandpuri underpass in Jagatpura. According to officials, the project aims to widen a road running parallel to a railway line from its existing width to 80 feet.
To complete the expansion work, several structures that fall within the project area are being removed. Authorities stated that a mosque, two temples, a satsang building and a mazar are among the structures scheduled for demolition.
Earlier Encroachments Already Removed
The current operation follows an earlier phase of the drive in which 134 encroachments were cleared from the same stretch of road. Officials said the JDA had provided sufficient time to those managing the religious structures and other affected parties to voluntarily remove the constructions.
After the deadline expired, authorities decided to proceed with the demolition process under heavy police protection.
Mobile Internet Services Suspended
As a precautionary measure, the administration has temporarily suspended mobile internet services in parts of Jaipur.
According to official orders, mobile internet, bulk SMS services, MMS facilities and access to social media platforms have been restricted from midnight on June 8 until midnight on June 9 in Jaipur North and Jaipur East police districts.
However, voice calling services remain operational.
Officials said the restrictions are intended to prevent the spread of rumours, misinformation and inflammatory content during the sensitive operation.
Administration Cites Law And Order Concerns
Divisional Commissioner V. Saravan Kumar said the decision to suspend internet services was taken after assessing potential risks to public order.
Authorities expressed concern that social media platforms could be misused to circulate false information, rumours or provocative messages capable of disturbing communal harmony.
The administration emphasised that the restrictions are temporary and aimed solely at maintaining peace.
Warning Against Rumours And Misinformation
Jaipur Police Commissioner Sachin Mittal warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found spreading misinformation or attempting to create communal tension.
Officials have urged residents to rely only on information released through official government channels and avoid sharing unverified content online.
The police have also appealed for public cooperation to ensure that the operation is completed peacefully.
Drone Surveillance And Area Restrictions
Security arrangements around the demolition site have been significantly strengthened.
Authorities are using drone surveillance to monitor developments in real time and keep a close watch on the area.
Movement restrictions have also been imposed in certain parts of the locality to prevent crowd gatherings and ensure smooth execution of the operation.
As an additional precaution, electricity supply in the immediate vicinity of the demolition site has been temporarily disconnected.
Focus On Infrastructure Development
Officials maintain that the objective of the anti-encroachment drive is to facilitate long-pending infrastructure improvements and ease traffic congestion in the area.
The widened road is expected to improve connectivity and traffic flow for residents of Jagatpura and nearby localities.
While the operation remains sensitive due to the involvement of religious structures, authorities have stressed that the action is being carried out under legal procedures and with adequate security arrangements.
Situation Under Close Watch
With thousands of security personnel deployed and communication restrictions in place, the administration continues to closely monitor the situation.
So far, officials have reported that the operation is proceeding under control, with efforts focused on maintaining peace and ensuring public safety throughout the process.
Further updates are expected as the anti-encroachment drive progresses.
