Faridabad: In a major operation carried out before dawn on Saturday, the Faridabad administration demolished several unauthorized constructions, including a mosque and two temples, as part of a land-clearing exercise linked to upcoming infrastructure projects in the city.
The action began around 4 a.m. in the NIT-3 area, where authorities deployed heavy machinery to remove structures identified as encroachments. Officials said the cleared land is required for the proposed Gurugram-Faridabad-Noida Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor as well as an elevated road project planned near Masjid Chowk.
Extensive security arrangements were put in place ahead of the drive. A large contingent of police personnel was stationed in and around the area to prevent any disturbance and maintain public order. Barricades were erected during the early hours, and access to several roads was restricted, resulting in traffic diversions across parts of the city.
As a precautionary measure, the Haryana government had on Friday ordered the temporary suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS facilities and dongle-based internet connectivity within a designated zone around the operation site. The restrictions were imposed to avoid the spread of misinformation and to ensure peace during the demolition exercise.
According to officials, the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad undertook the operation in compliance with directions linked to proceedings before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Authorities stated that a number of structures standing in the alignment of the planned projects had been identified as illegal and were hindering development work.
The mosque located at Masjid Chowk, spread over approximately 700 square yards, was among the structures removed. Two temples and several other constructions were also demolished during the drive.
Officials maintained that the removal of encroachments is necessary to facilitate timely execution of major urban infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity in the National Capital Region. The upcoming RRTS corridor is expected to significantly strengthen transport links between Gurugram, Faridabad and Noida, while the proposed elevated road is intended to ease traffic congestion in the area.
Authorities indicated that similar enforcement actions against unauthorized constructions may continue in the coming months as development projects move forward across the city.
