Fear in Walled City after pillar shifts during illegal construction

Jaipur: Fear gripped Walled City Saturday after a pillar of a multistorey building reportedly shifted during illegal construction work in Jagannath Shah Ka Rasta area of Handipura. Following the incident, Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) teams reached the spot and evacuated the building as a precautionary measure.

According to civic officials, information about the incident was received around 10 pm, after which teams were immediately sent to the location. Initial findings suggested that construction work was underway on the fifth floor of the building when one of the pillars developed movement, triggering fears of a possible collapse. Considering the risk, nearby houses were also evacuated.

Residents of the narrow lane said panic spread quickly after people felt vibrations inside the building. Families rushed out of their homes late at night, while neighbours helped children and elderly residents move to safety. Many residents spent the night at relatives’ homes or with neighbours as civic teams and home guards remained deployed at the site through Sunday morning.

JMC officials identified the building owner as Rais Khan, who is involved in the footwear business. Officials said JMC already issued two notices regarding illegal construction at the property, but the work continued despite warnings. There are shops also located on the ground floor of the building.

Kishanpol zone deputy commissioner Bijendra Singh said, “Teams were rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information and the building was evacuated. Home guards have been deployed for safety. Engineers will inspect the structure Monday, and if found unsafe, demolition action will be taken. The fifth-floor construction is illegal and notices had already been issued earlier.”