Delayed action on unsafe building leaves Ramganj residents frustrated

Jaipur: A damaged five-storey building has now become more than just a safety concern for residents of Jagannath Shah Ka Rasta in Ramganj area. What began as a precautionary evacuation after cracks appeared in the building’s pillars has slowly turned into a daily struggle for families living nearby.

The growing frustration spilled over Monday when residents gathered at the Kishanpol Zone office and protested inside the DC cabin, demanding immediate action.

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, even after eight days, no final decision was taken on whether the building will be repaired or demolished, leaving residents caught in uncertainty.

The barricading has effectively cut off access to nearly six to seven homes in the lane. Residents say daily life has been badly affected, with elderly residents, women, and children facing the greatest inconvenience as they are now forced to take long detours just to reach their homes.

Former councillor Mohammad Zakariya of this area said residents were left stranded due to 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 said he was ready to begin repair work immediately, but had 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, said what initially seemed like a short-term inconvenience has now disrupted everyday life in the locality. “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,” she said.

Following the protest, Kishanpol Zone DC Bijendra Singh directed officials to inspect the building and take further action at the earliest.