Anti-encroachment drive intensifies in Haldighati & Rakt Talai after HC order

Jaipur: The Rajsamand district administration intensified its anti-encroachment drive in the historic areas of Haldighati and Rakt Talai following directions from the Rajasthan high court to remove illegal structures and preserve the heritage zone.Officials said the administration wrote to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) seeking permission to demolish a govt school and staff quarters located within the Rakt Talai premises, and to undertake beautification work, including the installation of railings, signage and dustbins in the Haldighati area.
The proposed action is part of the second phase of the anti-encroachment and beautification drive after the administration earlier demolished several illegal shops in the region.The high court issued directions on Jan 28 after taking cognisance of a The Times of India report titled "Highway to Haldighati, Where Chetak's Leap Meets Truck's Roar," published on Dec 14, 2025, which highlighted encroachments and rising traffic around the historic battlefield area.Rajsamand district magistrate Arun Kumar Hasija said the administration is now dealing with structures located within the ASI-protected premises. "Since the work now involves areas under the control of the ASI, we sought permission from them. Once the approval is granted, the demolition and restoration work will be carried out," Hasija told TOI.He said the administration already removed encroachments from areas under the jurisdiction of local authorities a few weeks ago. Outlining the restoration plan, Hasija said a govt school located within the Rakt Talai complex will be demolished to restore the landscape in line with historical records. "The quarters outside the site will be converted into a parking area, while the pond inside the talai will be revived and refilled with water," he said.Hasija added that protective measures will also be taken around the battlefield area. "Railings will be installed around the sacred Haldighati site so that visitors do not walk or run over the protected area and disturb its sanctity. Speed breakers will also be placed on the nearby highway to control fast-moving heavy vehicles that may damage the site," he said.The district administration is required to submit a compliance report to the high court on the action taken. Historians welcomed the move but said restoration must be carried out carefully.Chandra Shekhar Sharma, head of the history dept at Meera Girls College in Udaipur, said the demolition drive was a positive step, but the site required a comprehensive conservation plan. "Unless it is declared a place of national importance, the fate of this sacred site may not change significantly," Sharma said.