The impact of a recent sanitation drive in Jaipur appears to have faded quickly, with garbage piling up again in several areas just days after authorities claimed to have cleared nearly 6,000 tonnes of waste.
Sanitation Marathon Falls Short
On April 18, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation conducted a sanitation marathon across the city. However, localities including Heerapura, Gandhi Nagar, the Walled City, and Vaishali Nagar are once again witnessing heaps of waste on roads and public spaces.
Heerapura Worst Affected
Heerapura remains among the worst affected. Garbage is being dumped on road dividers by unauthorised vendors, narrowing carriageways and disrupting traffic. “Sanitation workers do collect garbage daily, but illegal carts have reduced road space. A 100-foot-wide road now feels like just 50 feet,” said shopkeeper Hemant Pabri. He added that earlier dumping was limited to a spot near the SBI branch, but encroachments have spread the problem.
Trader Rajesh Sharma said worsening conditions hit business by evening. “The area becomes too dirty for customers to even stand, which directly affects sales,” he said.
Residents Express Frustration
Residents across the city reported similar issues. “Cleaning happens in the morning, but within hours garbage piles return. It feels like the effort is only for show,” said Vaishali Nagar resident Pooja Agarwal. Behind Gandhi Nagar railway station, locals complained of garbage being burnt daily, creating severe discomfort. “The smoke makes breathing difficult, but no action is taken,” said Imran Khan.
Mukesh Soni from the Walled City said the situation has reverted quickly. “Without consistent monitoring, such drives have little lasting impact,” he said.
