Assembly panel raises concerns over garbage, stray cattle and illegal constructions in Jaipur

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Assembly’s Estimates Committee (AEC) Thursday sought explanations from officials over alleged irregularities in land lease allotments, complaints related to the Annapurna kitchen scheme, and poor sanitation management in urban local bodies.

During a review meeting held at the Directorate of Local Bodies (DLB), the committee examined the functioning of civic bodies, implementation of budget announcements and the status of public grievance redressal.

The meeting, chaired by committee head Sandeep Sharma, was attended by senior officials of DLB and Jaipur Municipal Corporation.

Committee members raised concerns over alleged irregularities in land lease cases reported from Nohar, Neem Ka Thana and Pilada areas. Officials were asked to submit details of the allotments and clarify the action taken in the matter. In response, DLB secretary Ravi Jain said a separate committee would be formed to investigate the complaints.

The committee expressed displeasure over irregularities linked to the Annapurna Rasoi scheme. Jain informed members that NGOs found responsible had been blacklisted and action was already initiated.

Sanitation arrangements in urban areas also came under scrutiny. Members questioned how attendance of sanitation workers was being marked despite poor cleanliness on the ground in several areas. Concerns were raised over waste disposal practices at dumping yards. Officials said a report would be prepared after a detailed inquiry.

The committee further flagged the recurring problem of freshly constructed roads being dug up soon after completion by different departments. Members said the lack of coordination between agencies was causing inconvenience to residents and directed officials to create a coordination mechanism to avoid repeated road cutting.

The committee held a separate review meeting at JMC headquarters to assess monsoon preparedness and civic arrangements in the city.

Officials were instructed to ensure timely cleaning and repair of drains and the drainage network before the onset of the monsoon to prevent waterlogging during heavy rain.

The issue of stray cattle roaming on roads was also discussed. The committee directed civic officials to shift stray animals to shelter homes immediately to prevent accidents and traffic disruption.

Concerns were raised over the increasing number of illegal constructions in the Walled City area, with the panel asking officials to take stricter enforcement action.

Committee chairperson Sandeep Sharma said Jaipur’s identity as a major tourist city made it essential for civic infrastructure, sanitation and traffic management to remain in good condition.