Jaipur's Baba Harishchandra Marg in Disrepair for Over Two Months, Residents Fear Monsoon Waterlogging
Residents of Chandpole in Jaipur are facing severe inconvenience as Baba Harishchandra Marg and adjacent lanes have remained in a state of disrepair for the past two-and-a-half months. The road has been dug up, leaving open sewer lines and unfinished construction work, which has already triggered frequent minor accidents. With the monsoon season approaching, locals are increasingly anxious about potential waterlogging.
Road Dug Up Without Notice, Creating Hazardous Conditions
According to residents, the road was previously usable with only a few potholes before it was unexpectedly dug up without any prior notification. This sudden development has made movement extremely difficult for pedestrians and vehicles alike. While work on the main stretch of Baba Harishchandra Marg has not yet commenced, nearby lanes have been quickly rebuilt. However, this reconstruction has raised the road levels by approximately one to one-and-a-half feet, leaving shops and homes situated at a significantly lower level.
Local shopkeeper Anand Solanki expressed his frustration, stating, "We do not understand why the entire road was dug up when only a few potholes needed repair. Now the new road has been raised so much that our shops are at a lower level. If water enters during rains, who will take responsibility?"
Accidents Become Routine on the Main Stretch
On the main stretch of the road, residents report that accidents have become a regular occurrence. Satyanarayan Kaushal, a local resident, shared his concerns, saying, "For the past two and a half months, we have been helping people who fall here. The road is in such bad shape that anyone unfamiliar with it is bound to meet with an accident. We have complained to the MLA, Jaipur Municipal Corporation, JDA and even on the helpline 181, but nothing has changed. Two days ago, JDA only put up a ‘work in progress' board."
Political Intervention Fails to Yield Results
Former councillor Arvind Methi highlighted the lack of proper hearing for public grievances. "There is no proper hearing of public grievances. I have been raising this issue on social media. The MLA Amin Kagzi visited the area and directed JDA to start work within 24 hours, but so far only signboards have been put up," Methi stated.
Residents Blame Poor Coordination and Contractor Negligence
Residents have alleged that the road was dug up overnight without adequate planning. They attribute the delays to poor coordination among authorities and negligence by contractors. Specifically, stalled drainage work has further hampered progress. With the monsoon nearing, the raised lane levels and incomplete construction are feared to direct rainwater into homes and shops, exacerbating the situation.
The ongoing neglect of Baba Harishchandra Marg underscores broader issues in public infrastructure management in Jaipur. As the monsoon approaches, the urgency for completing the repairs and addressing the raised road levels becomes critical to prevent accidents and waterlogging disasters.
