Faridabad Internet Shutdown Today Ahead of Demolition Drive

Faridabad Internet Shutdown Today Ahead of Demolition Drive

Faridabad, Haryana: Residents in parts of Faridabad woke up to restricted digital connectivity on Saturday after the Haryana government temporarily suspended mobile internet services, bulk SMS facilities and dongle-based internet connections in a designated area of the district ahead of a major demolition drive.

The shutdown applies to a one-kilometre radius around the notified location in the NIT Zone and began at 12:30 am on May 30. According to the official order, restrictions will remain in force until 10 pm on Saturday. Voice calls, broadband connections, leased-line internet services, banking SMS and individual text messages have been exempted from the suspension.

Government cites law-and-order concerns

The Haryana Home Department said the decision was taken after inputs from intelligence and district authorities regarding possible tensions during the demolition operation.

Officials expressed concern that social media platforms and messaging applications could be used to spread rumours or mobilise crowds, potentially leading to public unrest.

The order issued by the state government referred to reports from the Additional Director General of Police (CID) and the Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad, who warned of the possibility of agitation, damage to public and private property and disturbance of public peace during the drive.

Authorities invoked provisions under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024 while imposing the restrictions.

What exactly has been suspended?

The order covers:

• Mobile internet services including 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks

• Bulk SMS services

• Dongle-based internet services operating through mobile networks

However, authorities clarified that several essential services would continue functioning normally.

These include:

• Voice calling services

• Broadband internet connections

• Leased-line internet used by businesses

• Banking-related SMS alerts

• Mobile recharge messages

• Individual SMS communication

Officials said these exemptions were provided to minimise disruption to businesses and residents while ensuring that public order concerns are addressed.

Why is the demolition drive being conducted?

The demolition operation is one of the largest undertaken in the city in recent months.

According to local reports, authorities began action early Saturday morning against structures identified as illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions in the NIT area.

The drive is linked to major infrastructure projects planned for the region, including the proposed Gurugram-Faridabad-Noida Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor and an elevated road project intended to improve connectivity within the NCR region.

Several structures, including religious buildings and commercial constructions that allegedly fell within the project alignment zone, were targeted during the operation. Heavy police deployment was made across the affected area before the demolitions began.

Heavy security presence in NIT Zone

Security arrangements were intensified in anticipation of possible resistance to the demolition.

Police personnel, local administration officials and civic authorities were deployed in large numbers throughout the area.

Officials maintained that the operation was planned after extensive preparation and was aimed at ensuring smooth execution of public infrastructure projects while maintaining peace.

The internet suspension formed part of a broader security strategy intended to prevent the rapid spread of misinformation that could trigger protests or crowd gatherings.

Impact on residents and businesses

Although the restrictions are geographically limited, residents and traders within the affected zone faced difficulties accessing mobile internet services throughout the day.

Digital payments, app-based services, social media access and mobile-based business communications experienced disruptions.

However, because broadband and fixed-line internet services remained operational, many offices and commercial establishments were able to continue functioning.

For residents who depend heavily on mobile internet for work, online education and daily communication, the shutdown caused inconvenience despite being temporary.

Internet suspension orders have increasingly become a subject of debate across India, particularly when used during protests, examinations, communal tensions and administrative operations.

Supporters argue such measures help authorities maintain control in sensitive situations. Critics contend that shutdowns affect economic activity and restrict access to information.

Legal framework behind the shutdown

The Haryana government's order was issued under powers granted through Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, along with the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.

The legal framework allows temporary suspension of telecom services in situations where authorities believe public safety or law and order could be threatened.

Officials stressed that the current order is limited in duration and geographical scope and applies only to the notified zone in Faridabad.

Public and political reactions

The move has generated discussion among residents and civil society groups.

Some local residents supported the government's decision, arguing that preventing misinformation during a sensitive demolition exercise was necessary.

Others questioned whether internet restrictions should be used during civic enforcement operations and called for greater transparency regarding such decisions.

Digital rights advocates have long argued that internet access has become an essential public utility and that restrictions should be used only in exceptional circumstances.

No major political party had issued an official statement on the Faridabad shutdown as of Saturday afternoon.

What happens next?

The demolition drive is expected to continue through the day under heavy security supervision.

If authorities are satisfied that the law-and-order situation remains under control, mobile internet services are expected to be restored automatically after 10 pm on May 30.

Officials have advised residents in the affected area to rely on voice calls and broadband services until the restrictions are lifted.

The operation is likely to remain under close public scrutiny, particularly as it intersects with major urban infrastructure projects and ongoing debates over the use of internet shutdowns in India.