Sanitation Crisis in Jaipur's Walled City Threatens Swachh Survekshan 2025 Ranking
Jaipur: The historic Walled City of Jaipur is grappling with a severe sanitation crisis that residents and former councillors warn could severely impact the city's performance in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan 2025 national cleanliness survey. Narrow lanes, bustling markets, and densely populated residential areas are increasingly marred by open piles of garbage and clogged drainage systems, creating a public health hazard.
Waste Collection Coverage Plummets Below Required Standards
Official records from the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) reveal a troubling decline in waste management efficiency. Door-to-door waste collection coverage in the heritage areas of the Walled City has dropped to approximately 60–65%, significantly below the mandated threshold of over 90%. This substantial shortfall not only compromises daily life for residents but also poses a direct threat to Jaipur's national cleanliness ranking.
Former Councillors Voice Grave Concerns Over Public Health and Accountability
Former councillor Mohammad Zakariya highlighted the deterioration in sanitation services following the dissolution of the municipal board. "There is no functional mechanism to address public grievances. Garbage heaps are proliferating across numerous localities, escalating the risk of infections and vector-borne diseases," he stated.
Echoing these concerns, former councillor Arvind Methi pointed to the erratic schedule of garbage collection vehicles. "In many sectors, waste hoppers fail to arrive for up to three consecutive days. This forces residents to dispose of refuse on roadsides or vacant plots, which gradually transform into permanent, unsanitary dumping grounds. The situation is adversely affecting community health," Methi explained.
Impact on Tourism and Jaipur's Cultural Identity
Local shopkeepers and residents report that the poor cleanliness conditions have led to foul odors, rampant mosquito breeding, and frequent drain blockages. They emphasize that this environment is not only disrupting daily routines but also tarnishing Jaipur's reputation as a premier tourist destination.
Former councillor Akhtar Hussain issued a stark warning regarding the potential damage to the city's image. "The Walled City is the heart of Jaipur's cultural identity, yet it suffers from some of the worst sanitation in the urban area. Continued neglect will undoubtedly cause Jaipur's ranking in Swachh Survekshan 2025 to plummet. An urgent, separate sanitation strategy tailored for this heritage zone is imperative," he asserted.
Calls for Immediate Action and Systemic Reform
The collective testimony from stakeholders underscores a critical need for intervention. Former councillors have stressed that without the Jaipur Municipal Corporation establishing clear accountability and prioritizing sanitation in the Walled City, meaningful and sustainable improvements remain highly unlikely. The community awaits decisive steps to address this escalating crisis before it further compromises public welfare and the city's standing on the national stage.
