Jaipur: A six-storey building that developed a dangerous tilt in Jaipur’s walled city was demolished by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Thursday, averting a potential disaster but leaving its owner and family without a home.
Controlled Demolition After Expert Assessment
The building, located at Jagannath Shah Ka Rasta in the Ramganj area, was brought down through a controlled demolition after experts declared it unsafe. Authorities sealed roads around the site, erected barricades, disconnected power supply and evacuated residents from 10 to 15 neighbouring houses before carrying out the operation. Police personnel from Ramganj police station remained deployed during the exercise.
Unauthorised Construction and Structural Issues
Kishanpole zone deputy commissioner Bijendra Singh said the building had been constructed without permission. “A crack developed in one portion of the building on May 9, following which it was vacated. Experts assessed the structure and declared it unsafe, after which the decision was taken to demolish it,” he said.
Officials said the building was around 10-15 years old. While four floors had already been completed, construction work on the fifth and sixth floors was underway. During construction, some pillars were reportedly damaged, causing the structure to lean dangerously to one side.
Impact on Surroundings
The demolition caused minor damage to a building opposite the site and broke part of a nearby tree. Two shops within the structure were also affected, with their shutters damaged.
Owner’s Plight
For owner Rais Ahmed, the demolition meant the loss of both his residence and savings. “Since May 9, I was requesting the administration to allow me to repair the structure. Even some engineers who visited the site felt repair work could have solved the problem, but nobody listened,” he said.
Ahmed, who said he invested nearly Rs 55 lakh in the property, has been staying at his sister’s house since the building was vacated. “I have lost both my home and my savings. I have three children, my wife and my mother to look after. Right now, I don’t even know where we will go next,” he added.
