Jaipur Homes Demolished Amidst Mysterious Cracks

In Jaipur's Walled City, a house in the Ramganj area was demolished by the Municipal Corporation on Monday, one day after one of its walls collapsed. This action has prompted residents to question the civic body's investigation into the underlying causes of structural damage, including cracks in several houses and a road subsidence in the locality.

The affected residential structures are between 10 to 20 years old. Residents have pointed to an unused well near their homes that is constantly filling with water. They hypothesize that this could be a result of sewage accumulation, which might be weakening the soil and compromising the foundations of their homes.

Former officials and experts suggest various possibilities. One former chief town planner highlighted that continuous leakage from drains or pipes could weaken foundations, emphasizing the importance of the building's age, foundation quality, water seepage, and construction materials. The presence of 'mori,' often indicating a drain, suggests an old drainage route warrants investigation. Another former official noted that Jaipur's sandy soil makes it susceptible to damage from underground seepage.

According to the Kishanpol Zone DC, preliminary findings indicate that unauthorized construction and unaddressed water seepage are primary factors behind the road cave-in and subsequent cracks. He also mentioned that some residents continue to occupy unsafe structures due to the cost of repairs or relocation.