Jaipur Building Damage Sparks Protests
A damaged five-storey building in the Jagannath Shah Ka Rasta area of Ramganj, Jaipur, has become more than just a safety hazard. What began as a precautionary evacuation due to cracks in the building's pillars has turned into a daily ordeal for nearby residents. On Monday, frustration boiled over as residents gathered at the Kishanpol Zone office and protested inside the Deputy Commissioner's cabin, demanding immediate action.
Evacuation and Uncertainty
The building was evacuated after cracks appeared in its pillars, and the structure was declared unsafe. The Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) barricaded a large part of the lane and evacuated surrounding houses as a preventive measure. However, after eight days, no final decision has been made on whether the building will be repaired or demolished, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty.
The barricading has effectively cut off access to nearly six to seven homes in the lane. Residents report that daily life has been severely disrupted, with elderly residents, women, and children facing the greatest inconvenience. They are now forced to take long detours just to reach their homes.
Residents' Grievances
Former councillor Mohammad Zakariya of the area highlighted the administrative delays. "People have been suffering for the last eight days. JMC is neither allowing repairs nor deciding to demolish the structure. There is no point in keeping families confined to their homes like this," he said.
Building owner Rais Khan stated he is ready to begin repair work immediately but has not yet received permission from authorities. Residents added that movement near a temple and mosque in the area has also been affected due to the barricading.
Seema Jain, a resident, expressed the community's frustration: "We thought the matter would be resolved in two or three days, but now the entire colony is struggling. Even taking children to school or elderly family members to hospital has become difficult."
Administrative Response
Following the protest, Kishanpol Zone Deputy Commissioner Bijendra Singh directed officials to inspect the building and take further action at the earliest. The residents await a swift resolution to end their eight-day ordeal.
