In Jhotwara, roads so broken that businesses shut, accidents common

Jaipur: In a reflection of infrastructural neglect, residents of the Jhotwara assembly constituency have resorted to using broken roads as landmarks to describe their addresses. Basic civic amenities, such as proper roads and effective drainage systems, have been sorely lacking, leaving both residents and elected councillors yearning for improvements that have yet to materialise.The conditions on Niwaru Road, which marks the edge of the constituency, have become so dire that they have turned into a frequent site of accidents. Local vendor Nandkishore Yadav, who operates an egg cart, says, "The road is in such bad shape that ever since I arrived here a month ago, I have witnessed accidents almost every other day. It has now become a common sight." The plight of the Loher family, who have resided in a makeshift home near the showroom for decades, underlines the deep-rooted issues in the area. Santosh Loher, the eldest family member, expressed frustration, saying, "I have lived here for 30 years. I have my voter ID and Aadhaar card, yet I feel like I have no right to live in this city." She lamented that her children, who usually drive e-rickshaws, have been unable to work due to the poor state of the roads and severe waterlogging during the monsoon season. The situation on Niwaru Road extends beyond just potholes; it is a patchwork of craters that make it difficult to distinguish between road and hole. Kalwar Road, which was partially dug up by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) in March, remains strewn with rubble, creating a hazardous environment for both pedestrians and drivers. Local marble shop owners have reported a complete shutdown of their businesses due to the impassable conditions. "Our business has been completely shut for the past eight months because vehicles can no longer reach our shops due to the collapsed road," they lamented. Sirsi Road presents another grim picture. While the main state highway is relatively smooth, the inner lanes, constructed from sand and mud, pose a slipping hazard to residents. Ward 62 councillor Vijendra Saini voiced his anger, stating, "I am completely fed up. Neither do we get our funds released by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation-Greater, nor does our MLA listen. The road has remained broken for one and a half years, and no official has visited to assess the situation." Similarly, Ward 64 councillor Rajendra Kumar Agrawal said, "People here are grappling with waterlogging and broken roads, but no one is ready to listen or provide funds." Adding to the chaos, at Khatipura T-Point, debris from demolished buildings by JDA still litter the roadway, forcing pedestrians to navigate through small stones and rubble.