Encroachments make Jaipur footpaths unsafe

Jaipur: Footpaths across several parts of Jaipur are increasingly being encroached upon by roadside stalls, carts and temporary structures, forcing pedestrians to walk amid moving traffic.Busy stretches along Tonk Road, B2 Bypass, Sahkar Marg and areas near vegetable markets are among the worst affected, with pavements occupied by handcarts, kiosks and loading vehicles. Residents said the encroachments also add to traffic congestion during peak hours.Despite regular anti-encroachment drives by the municipal corporation, vendors often return within days, leading to recurring problems. The situation has also raised concerns over the implementation of the Street Vendors Act, under which vending and non-vending zones were identified in Jaipur to regulate roadside businesses.Locals and trader groups alleged that many vendors continue to occupy spaces outside designated zones, affecting both pedestrian movement and traffic flow. Temporary kiosks and roadside stalls have also increased in several residential colonies.Town Vending Association president Banwari Lal said the Town Vending Committee has remained inactive for a long time. “We raised complaints with the municipal corporation about the unchecked increase of stalls and the lack of proper vending zones, but there has been little impact. Unless the committee starts functioning regularly and monitoring is strengthened, the problem will continue,” he said.Residents said pedestrians are increasingly being deprived of safe walking spaces as footpaths remain occupied across the city.