The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), working with the district administration and police, conducted an anti-encroachment drive at village Sitni in Jammu district on 1 August.

The operation targeted illegal structures along the national highway and resulted in the removal of 46 illegally constructed structures encroaching on NHAI and government land.

The action was aimed at restoring an obstruction-free Right of Way (RoW) along the highway and safeguarding public infrastructure following directions from the Supreme Court after the Phalodi accident.

Agencies involved included the regional NHAI office, the revenue department and local police, and the drive was carried out peacefully without untoward incident.

The operation was supervised by Radhey Sham Yadav, Regional Officer, NHAI Jammu, with the presence of the project director, the tehsildar and the sub divisional police officer along with other officials.

Equipment and personnel were deployed to dismantle unauthorised structures and clear encroachments to ensure uninterrupted movement of road users.

Authorities reiterated an appeal to the public not to occupy government or NHAI land and warned that strict legal action will be initiated against those found responsible under the relevant provisions of law.

The district administration confirmed that enforcement will continue as needed to prevent further unauthorised occupation of highway land.

The coordinated effort is intended to protect the safety and convenience of commuters and maintain the integrity of road assets.

Officials indicated that periodic drives will be undertaken in coordination with the district administration to keep national highway land free from encroachments and to address emerging infractions promptly.

The NHAI noted its continued commitment to ensure an obstruction-free RoW and to facilitate safe and efficient movement for the travelling public.

The operation at Sitni formed part of a broader effort to implement court directions and strengthen highway safety measures across the region.