The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Monday, 6 October 2025, launched a large-scale anti-encroachment drive along New Sanganer Road in Jaipur, targeting illegal constructions linked to approximately 260 houses and shops. The operation follows a directive from the Rajasthan High Court to restore the road to its designated width, with a compliance report due before the court by 6 October.

Scope of the Operation

The drive covers a nearly three-kilometre stretch running from the Gujar Ki Thadi intersection to Sodala, though Monday's action was concentrated on a one-kilometre segment. The road is officially designated to be 100 feet wide, but years of encroachment and unauthorised construction have reduced its effective width to between 40 and 60 feet. JCB machines and the JDA enforcement team have been deployed alongside a heavy police presence to manage the demolition and oversee traffic diversions.

The stretch from Gujar Ki Thadi to Sanjeevani Hospital on New Sanganer Road has been closed to regular traffic, with vehicles being redirected to alternative routes. The JDA had issued prior notices to property owners, and several traders and residents reportedly began dismantling structures themselves ahead of the formal operation to avoid damage to merchandise and property.

Traders Raise Festive Season Concerns

The timing of the drive has drawn sharp criticism from local traders and shop owners. With the festive season underway — a period when business activity and footfall typically peak — traders argue that the demolitions could cause significant financial losses and disrupt their livelihoods. Some traders have filed appeals with the government and district administration, seeking relief or a temporary halt to the action until the festive period concludes.

This is not the first time New Sanganer Road's widening has sparked conflict between authorities and residents. The encroachment dispute has been a longstanding issue, and the court-mandated deadline has now brought it to a critical juncture.

MLA Raises Marking Disputes and Compensation Demands

Civil Lines MLA Gopal Sharma was present at the site when the operation began, accompanied by supporters. Sharma stated that Monday's action focused on clearing encroachments extending into the road boundary and asserted that no major permanent structures were being demolished during the day's drive. However, he alleged that the JDA had incorrectly marked certain areas, fuelling resentment among residents and traders.

The MLA confirmed he had conveyed these objections to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Urban Development and Housing Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra. He questioned the practice of permitting illegal constructions over years and then demolishing them without addressing compensation, arguing that long-established residents and businesses deserve redress before structures are razed.

Court Deadline and What Comes Next

The JDA is working against a firm court deadline: a compliance report must be submitted to the Rajasthan High Court by 6 October. The authority's immediate priority is to clear all structures marked for removal and demonstrate measurable progress toward restoring the road to its 100-foot designated width. Whether the pace of Monday's drive is sufficient to satisfy the court remains to be seen.

With traders continuing to protest, the MLA flagging procedural concerns, and the court watching closely, the coming days will test the JDA's ability to balance legal compliance with the socioeconomic pressures of one of Jaipur's busiest commercial corridors.