JDA initiates anti-encroachment drive on New Sanganer Road amid protests

The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) commenced an anti-encroachment initiative on Monday along New Sanganer Road, focusing on illegal constructions associated with approximately 260 homes and shops. This operation aims to restore the road's designated width, which has been compromised by encroachments reducing its effective width to between 40 and 60 feet across a three-kilometer stretch from the Gujar Ki Thadi intersection to Sodala.

The current demolition is concentrated on a one-kilometer segment of the road, in compliance with the Rajasthan High Court's directive to rectify the road's dimensions. The court has mandated that the JDA submit a compliance report by October 6, prompting urgent action to ensure that the identified encroachments are cleared before the deadline.

To manage the situation during the demolition, a substantial police presence has been established on-site. Traffic along the stretch from Gujar Ki Thadi to Sanjeevani Hospital has been redirected to alternate routes, causing further disruption for local commuters and businesses. As part of the preparatory phase for the operation, the JDA had previously notified property owners to remove the illegal structures identified for demolition.

In anticipation of the crackdown, some traders and residents have taken the initiative to vacate their properties voluntarily, fearing damage during the JDA's operations. Local shopkeepers have expressed significant concern that the timing of such action—during a busy festive season—could harm their businesses and livelihoods. Traders are petitioning for the government to provide assistance, citing the adverse financial impact of the encroachments' removal at this critical time of year.

Civil Lines MLA Gopal Sharma was present as the operation unfolded, aligning with local residents and supporters. Sharma reported that the focus of the drive was on clearing encroachments impinging on the road boundaries, with claims that no major permanent structures were affected on this occasion. He also raised issues regarding the JDA's marking of specific areas, suggesting inaccuracies that have fueled tension between the authority and the community.

The longstanding issue of clearing New Sanganer Road of encroachments has converged with pressing demands for greater accountability from the JDA. Sharma voiced that many families have lived and operated businesses in the region for years and stressed that demolishing these structures should not occur without considering compensation for the affected parties.

As the JDA mobilized machinery and enforcement teams, the protestations of local traders highlighted the continued friction between urban development efforts and the realities faced by those whose livelihoods are intertwined with the areas undergoing change. The forthcoming compliance report and the JDA's response to the ongoing disputes will be closely watched as the community grapples with the implications of this aggressive enforcement action.

Source

Original IANS report

Edited with AI assistance.

Featured image: AI-generated representative image.