Jaipur's Walled City: Clean for Tourists, Filthy for Locals?

Jaipur Municipal Corporation's assertion of an effective cleanliness drive in the Walled City appears to overlook the reality faced by local residents. While areas attracting significant tourist footfall may appear tidy, many residential neighborhoods continue to grapple with severe sanitation issues. Streets like Khumro Ka Rasta in Ramganj Bazaar are marred by persistent garbage piles and strong odors, with cattle scavenging through waste, a situation not confined to obscure alleys but present on roads accessible to cleaning vehicles.

The problem of irregular waste collection is evident in areas like Kishanpole Bazaar, where garbage heaps accumulate on main roads. Residents and traders report that garbage collection vehicles often bypass inner lanes, forcing shopkeepers to dump waste on roadsides. The sporadic nature of waste disposal means garbage is cleared only at the convenience of the collection vehicle, exacerbating the unsanitary conditions.

This disparity raises serious concerns about the JMC's sanitation priorities. The visible cleanliness in tourist-heavy zones suggests a potential focus on external appearances rather than the well-being of local populations. Residents continue to endure living amidst foul smells and accumulated waste, a situation that demands urgent attention and a more equitable approach to waste management within the historic Walled City.