Jaipur witnessed heightened tension on Monday as mobile internet services were suspended and security was beefed up ahead of the Jaipur Development Authority's (JDA) anti-encroachment drive. The operation targeted five religious structures and part of a residential building to widen Bharu Marg, a key road connecting Gaurav Tower Marg with Getor Jagatpura railway station.
Heavy Security Deployment
From early morning, Bharu Marg was sealed off by security personnel. Barricades were placed at both ends of the road, and all lanes leading to it were blocked. Units of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) took positions on high-rise buildings on either side, monitoring rooftops, terraces, and windows.
Demolition Drive
The JDA's enforcement wing moved in with earth-moving machines to raze the structures. First to be demolished were two temples, followed by a satsang hall and a mazar. Portions of the 44-year-old Noorani Masjid were also brought down. The objective was to widen Bharu Marg to 80 feet, creating a corridor to ease traffic flow from Nandpuri Underpass and Siddharth Nagar away from Balaji Tiraha.
JDA DIG Anand Sharma stated that the drive was peaceful and faced no opposition. He added that structures with court stay orders were spared, but efforts are ongoing to have them removed legally.
Rationale and Police Presence
JDA officials explained that all five religious structures encroached upon Bharu Marg. The sixth encroachment, a portion of a residential building, could not be demolished during an earlier drive in May as it was adjacent to Noorani Masjid. Over 3,000 police personnel were deployed across sensitive areas of the city, including Kanta Chauraha, Haripura, and parts of the Walled City. Access to the demolition site was strictly restricted, even for media.
