Raipur traffic police and the municipal corporation carried out a joint anti-encroachment drive, removing illegal roadside structures and seizing promotional material from shops.

The Raipur traffic police and municipal corporation have launched a joint action against roadside encroachments, targeting more than 50 shopkeepers who were allegedly occupying roads and footpaths.The drive was conducted on key routes including Kotwali Chowk to Jaistambh Chowk and Lodhipara Chowk to Mandi Gate Road to improve traffic movement and reduce congestion.The action was carried out under the direction of Police Commissioner Dr Sanjeev Shukla and supervision of DCP Traffic Dr Archana Jha, along with the municipal corporation’s enforcement team.

Action taken against roadside encroachments

During the two-day drive from Kotwali Chowk through Malviya Road to Jaistambh Chowk, officials took action against shopkeepers who had placed goods and structures on roads and footpaths.

The team seized:

• 4 roadside carts

• 12 tables

• 15 cloth display stands

• 5 flex boards

• Tarpaulin stands and other materials

A fine of ₹4,000 was also collected during the action.

Three illegal structures removed with bulldozers

On the Lodhipara Chowk to Mandi Gate route, authorities removed three temporary illegal structures built along the roadside using bulldozers.Apart from this, promotional materials placed outside 11 shops were also seized.According to officials, traffic movement improved after the removal of these obstacles and congestion on the route reduced.

Campaign ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

The anti-encroachment drive has been intensified ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, when major markets and roads in the city are expected to witness increased public movement.Traffic police have appealed to traders and citizens not to place goods, banners or promotional material on roads, footpaths or dividers.Officials said that joint action by the traffic police and municipal corporation will continue against illegal encroachments across the city.

Raipur Police has intensified efforts to tackle traffic congestion by deploying Quick Response Teams (QRTs) that are dispatched immediately after receiving reports of traffic jams through the Daksh (ITMS) Control Roomhelpline.

According to police officials, the dedicated teams are reaching congestion points within five to eight minutes on average, helping restore normal traffic flow across the city. So far, authorities say 88 complaints received through the helpline have been successfully resolved.

10 Dedicated QRTs Deployed

The initiative has been launched under the direction of Raipur Police Commissioner Dr. Sanjeev Shukla, who ordered the formation of 10 Quick Response Teams to respond to sudden traffic congestion at key locations across the city.

Citizens can report traffic jams directly by calling the dedicated traffic helpline 94792-10632, enabling police to respond without delay.

ITMS Control Room Monitors City Traffic

The operation is managed from the city's Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) control room, where police personnel continuously monitor traffic conditions using CCTV cameras installed across Raipur along with Google Maps.

Whenever traffic congestion is detected through surveillance or reported via the helpline, the nearest QRT receives the exact location and is immediately dispatched to the spot.

Officials said the system allows traffic personnel to reach affected areas quickly and ensure smoother movement of vehicles.

Police Appeal to Citizens

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Protocol) Dr. Archana Jha has appealed to residents to immediately inform the traffic control room whenever they encounter major traffic congestion in any part of the city.

To improve public awareness, the police have also installed information boards displaying the traffic helpline numberat major intersections and public places across Raipur.

Officials believe timely information from commuters, combined with real-time surveillance through the ITMS network, will help minimise traffic disruptions and improve overall traffic management in the state capital.

A video allegedly showing the open sale of liquor near Lohi Bridge in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district has sparked controversy and prompted an official inquiry by local authorities. The incident, reported from the Bichhiya Police Station area, has drawn public attention because it surfaced during the ongoing 'Drug-Free Campaign 2.0', an awareness and enforcement initiative being conducted across the Rewa division.

According to local residents, individuals who reached the location recorded a video that purportedly showed liquor being sold in the open. In the footage, a person seen at the site allegedly claimed that the outlet functioned as a branch of a licensed liquor shop located in Bichhiya and that liquor was being sold there for the convenience of nearby villagers.

The authenticity of these claims has not yet been independently verified, and officials have stated that the matter is currently under investigation. Authorities will determine whether the sale was authorized under applicable excise regulations or whether any violations of the law have occurred.

The timing of the incident has intensified public discussion because the Rewa Range is currently conducting the 'Drug-Free Campaign 2.0' under the leadership of Inspector General of Police Gaurav Rajput. The campaign focuses on reducing substance abuse through awareness programmes, enforcement measures, and action against illegal narcotics and other prohibited activities.

The alleged liquor sale near one of the city's entry routes has raised questions among residents regarding compliance with excise regulations and the effectiveness of ongoing enforcement efforts. Several local citizens have demanded a transparent inquiry to establish the facts and determine whether unauthorized liquor sales were taking place.

One aspect of the viral video that has attracted particular attention is the conduct of the individual allegedly seen speaking on camera. According to those who recorded the footage, the person appeared to openly discuss the sale of liquor without hesitation. If the outlet is ultimately found to be operating without the necessary approvals or outside the permitted conditions of a licensed establishment, it could amount to a violation of excise rules.

However, officials have emphasized that the legal status of the outlet will only be determined after a detailed investigation and verification of relevant documents and permissions.

Following circulation of the video, local residents expressed concern about the reported activity near Lohi Bridge. Rajesh Singh, a resident of the area, stated that discussions regarding open liquor sales near the bridge had existed for some time. He claimed that the area experiences increased public movement during the evening hours, affecting the surrounding environment.

Singh said that if liquor is being sold illegally, the police and the Excise Department should take immediate action after verifying the facts. He also stressed the importance of maintaining law and order in public spaces frequently used by residents.

Another local resident, Ramkumar Patel, highlighted that the road near Lohi Bridge is used daily by villagers, women, schoolchildren, and college students. He stated that if unauthorized liquor sales are occurring in such a location, the matter should be treated seriously. Patel called upon the administration to conduct a fair and impartial investigation and to take strict legal action against anyone found violating the law.

Responding to the issue, Bichhiya Police Station House Officer Ankit Mishra confirmed that police became aware of the alleged incident through media reports. He stated that an inquiry has been initiated to verify the claims presented in the video.

According to the police official, if the investigation establishes that liquor was being sold illegally or that provisions of the Excise Act were violated, appropriate legal action will be taken against the individuals found responsible. He further stated that authorities would not tolerate any illegal activity within the jurisdiction.

Police officials have not yet confirmed whether the location shown in the video was an authorized extension of a licensed liquor shop or an entirely unauthorized outlet. This determination will depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry and verification by the concerned departments.

The investigation is expected to include examination of licensing records, excise permissions, ownership details, and statements from relevant individuals. Authorities may also review the viral video as part of the evidence while assessing whether any offences have been committed under applicable laws.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of effective monitoring of liquor sales and enforcement of excise regulations in public areas. Residents have urged authorities to ensure that any unauthorized commercial activity is dealt with promptly to maintain public confidence and uphold the rule of law.

As the inquiry continues, officials have appealed to the public to avoid drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed. The outcome of the inquiry will determine whether the allegations are substantiated and whether further legal or administrative action is warranted.

The Chaturmas programme of Jain saint 108 Acharya Shri Samay Sagar Maharaj has drawn an overwhelming response from devotees at the Habibganj Jain Temple in Bhopal, prompting authorities to introduce special traffic management measures to handle the increasing number of visitors. With devotees arriving daily from Bhopal as well as neighboring districts, the temple premises have become a major spiritual gathering point during the ongoing religious observance.

The Chaturmas period holds immense religious significance in Jainism and is considered one of the most important times of the year for spiritual learning, religious discourses, meditation, and self-discipline. During this sacred period, Jain monks traditionally stay at one location instead of traveling, allowing devotees to participate in sermons and religious activities over several weeks. The presence of Acharya Shri Samay Sagar Maharaj has significantly increased the number of worshippers attending the daily programmes at the Habibganj Jain Temple.

As the number of visitors continues to rise, Bhopal Police has implemented a comprehensive traffic and parking plan to ensure smooth movement around the temple and minimize inconvenience to commuters. Officials expect the area to witness heavy traffic every morning, particularly during the hours when religious events attract the largest gatherings.

According to the revised traffic plan, vehicle movement between Mansarovar and Pragati Square will remain completely diverted every day from 7:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the religious programme. Authorities have appealed to residents and regular commuters to use alternative routes and cooperate with traffic personnel deployed along the diversion points.

The new traffic arrangement has been designed to maintain public safety while allowing uninterrupted movement of devotees entering and leaving the temple premises. Since the area experiences a substantial influx of private vehicles and buses during the programme, traffic regulation has become essential to prevent congestion.

Vehicles approaching from the Mansarovar side will now be diverted through Mahavir Gate, Nutan College, and Vyapam Square before proceeding toward the Board Office area. This diversion is expected to reduce pressure on roads surrounding the temple while maintaining access to nearby neighborhoods.

Traffic moving beyond the Board Office Square will be redirected through Jyoti Talkies, Chetak Bridge, ISBT, and the RRL route. These diversions have been planned to keep through traffic away from the temple zone, where pedestrian movement is expected to remain exceptionally high throughout the programme.

Authorities have also advised railway passengers to begin their journeys well in advance, as travel time to the railway station may increase due to diversions and temporary congestion. Travelers have been encouraged to follow traffic updates and select alternate routes whenever possible to avoid delays.

For motorists heading toward Narmadapuram and Mandideep, police have recommended using the GG Flyover as the preferred route during the Chaturmas period. This measure is expected to ease traffic flow while preventing unnecessary bottlenecks around the Habibganj area.

In addition to traffic diversions, a dedicated parking arrangement has been introduced for devotees attending the religious event. Four-wheelers arriving at the programme will be directed to designated parking spaces located on the left-side road of MP Nagar. Officials have clearly stated that parking vehicles along roads surrounding the temple premises will not be permitted during the event.

The parking restrictions are intended to keep emergency routes clear and ensure uninterrupted traffic movement in one of the city's busiest commercial and residential zones. Traffic personnel and volunteers will remain present to guide visitors toward authorized parking locations.

Special arrangements have also been made for buses transporting groups of devotees. Such buses will drop passengers near the Pragati Petrol Pump Square before proceeding via the Board Office route to the ISBT bus parking area, where they will remain stationed until passengers return after the religious programme. This system is expected to reduce congestion near the temple entrance while improving passenger safety.

The Chaturmas programme has become one of the major religious gatherings currently taking place in Bhopal, attracting followers from across Madhya Pradesh. Devotees continue to participate enthusiastically in daily sermons, prayers, and spiritual discourses delivered by Acharya Shri Samay Sagar Maharaj, reflecting the deep religious significance of the occasion.

Police officials have appealed to both devotees and the general public to cooperate with the revised traffic regulations and follow the directions issued by traffic personnel. Citizens have also been requested not to park vehicles in unauthorized areas and to exercise patience while traveling through nearby routes during programme hours.

With thousands expected to continue visiting the Habibganj Jain Temple throughout the Chaturmas period, the temporary traffic measures are likely to remain in effect until the conclusion of the religious programme. Authorities believe the arrangements will help balance public convenience with the successful conduct of one of the city's largest ongoing spiritual events.