04-06-2025
Surat businessman gets notice after Operation Sindoor-themed installation causes traffic snarls
The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) issued a notice to a textile businessman Wednesday to take down a model of a fighter jet and two soldiers installed at Surat's Pal-Hazira roundabout after it allegedly led to traffic jams in the area.
In its notice, the civic body claims that the installation, 'Operation Sindoor', by Paresh Khandelwal's social organisation Yashvi Foundation was done without approval.
The installation, measuring 15X15 feet and is about 20 feet high, was aimed at commemorating 'Operation Sindoor' – India's strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Unveiled Saturday, the installation has been drawing public attention, with several people clicking videos and selfies at the spot and, according to the civic body, causing traffic jams in the area.
'We have issued a notice to Yashvi Foundation to remove the structure after there were complaints of traffic snarls. Khandelwal had applied for permission, but the model was installed before this was granted,' SMC Rander Zone head Mahesh Chavda said.
When contacted, Khandelwal also confirmed that his application is currently pending. 'The installation is temporary and can be moved,' he said.
