Jaipur, October 5 (Daily Kiran) : The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) commenced an anti-encroachment campaign on New Sanganer Road on Monday, targeting approximately 260 illegal structures, including homes and shops.
The operation spans about three kilometers, from Gurjar Ki Thadi Chowk to Sodala, with initial efforts focused on clearing one kilometer of encroachments. The road is supposed to be 100 feet wide, but due to illegal constructions, its effective width has shrunk to between 40 and 60 feet. This action follows a Rajasthan High Court order mandating the restoration of the road to its designated width.
To comply with the court’s directive, the JDA must submit a compliance report by October 6. As a result, the authority is working swiftly to remove identified encroachments before the deadline. A significant police presence has been deployed to maintain order during the demolition efforts. Traffic has been diverted from the section of New Sanganer Road between Gurjar Ki Thadi and Sanjeevani Hospital.
Prior to the operation, the JDA had issued notices to property owners regarding the removal of illegal constructions. In anticipation of the crackdown, several business owners and residents have begun dismantling encroachments and vacating their properties. Local merchants express concern that this campaign, coinciding with the festive season, could severely impact their businesses and livelihoods.
Some traders are opposing the road widening initiative, arguing that the demolition during a peak shopping period could lead to significant financial losses. Fearing damage to their shops and goods during the operation, a number of them have already taken steps to remove their structures. They have appealed to the government and administration for relief during the festive season.
During the operation, local MLA Gopal Sharma was present with his supporters. He noted that Monday’s activities were concentrated on clearing encroachments from the road’s boundary, specifically around a kilometer from Gurjar Ki Thadi. Sharma claimed that no major permanent structures were being demolished and that the immediate focus was on clearing the road’s limits.
He also alleged that the JDA had incorrectly marked some areas, leading to disputes among local residents and traders. Sharma stated that he had communicated these concerns to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Urban Development and Housing Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra.
The MLA questioned the practice of allowing illegal constructions to persist only to later demolish them. He emphasized that many people have lived and conducted their businesses in the area for years and argued that structures should not be demolished without addressing compensation-related concerns.
The issues surrounding the widening of New Sanganer Road and the removal of encroachments have been ongoing for some time. With the compliance report due on October 6, the JDA is taking action at the identified locations to meet the court’s requirements.
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