Jaipur's Historic Markets Struggle Under Web of Hanging Wires
Jaipur's famous walled city markets are grappling with a serious problem. A dense network of hanging electricity wires now dominates the narrow lanes. This issue affects almost every market in the historic area.
Safety and Aesthetic Concerns Mount
Markets like Ghee Walon Ka Rasta, Haldi Walon Ka Rasta, and Purohit Ji Ka Katla face severe congestion. A single fault in one wire can disrupt power for an entire market. The main bazaars, which attract many tourists, suffer from this visual clutter. The web of cables damages the heritage appeal of the area.
Traders in the walled city express strong hope. They want this year's budget to prioritize beautification and infrastructure improvements in the heritage zone.
Voices from the Trading Community
Suresh Saini, General Secretary of the Jaipur Vyapar Mahasangh, shared his frustration. "Work that people keep discussing today should have finished eight to ten years ago," he stated. He pointed out that authorities removed illegal wires from MI Road almost a decade back. However, similar action in the walled city did not happen at that time.
Saini emphasized that the problem goes beyond looks. "During monsoon rains, exposed wires create a serious risk of electrocution and death," he explained. "Tourists travel long distances to see the walled city. If hanging wires capture their attention more than the historic walls, it ruins the point of heritage tourism."
Vishnu, President of the Sanjay Bazaar Traders' Association, highlighted local dangers. "These wires hang so low that playing children often tug on them," he said. "We already have reports of people receiving electric shocks. The core issue is that private companies placed their cables on poles in small markets. Underground cabling is now absolutely essential."
Municipal Corporation Responds
Gaurav Saini, Commissioner of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "This matter concerns us deeply too," he affirmed. "We are developing a proposal and striving to achieve some concrete progress within this year."
It is worth remembering that in December, the JMC requested a report from the power department. This report focused on illegally laid wires within the walled city. Action on this persistent issue is now moving forward.
