Pedestrians forced on to roads while footpaths overrun by encroachments

Jaipur: Footpaths were once meant for pedestrians but now they're claimed by stalls, huts and other unauthorised structures. In Jaipur, despite repeated claims by both the municipal corporations to clear encroachments, the ground reality paints a completely different picture. From local markets to key city junctions, footpaths have been overtaken by shop extensions, bamboo-and-plastic stalls and makeshift homes, leaving citizens with no option but to risk walking on the roads.In areas like B2 Bypass and Jhalana, encroachment has gone beyond mere vendor space. Temporary stalls line the footpaths, selling everything from furniture to toys. Behind these shops, entire families have constructed temporary homes using plastic, bamboo and tarpaulin sheets.Ramesh, a toy-seller, says, "We used to sit near Mansarovar Metro Station. After we were removed from there, we shifted here. We don't have permanent shelter. We know we can be evicted from here too any time. That's why we don't build permanent homes."Just off the RTO office in Jhalana, a whole lane of footpath has become a settlement for families who have lived there since 2001. These daily-wage labourers were initially brought in for govt construction work and have stayed ever since, hoping to one day receive the permanent houses they were promised.Rama Devi, a resident, recalls, "We were brought here for building work back in 2001. Since then, we've stayed here. Many people came, took photos and videos, but no one ever helped us. We even survived through the Covid pandemic right here."This isn't a phenomenon limited to low-income settlements. Encroachment is rampant in upscale markets like Raja Park, Adarsh Nagar and around Ram Mandir Cinema. Shopkeepers openly use the footpaths to display goods, some even placing chairs and tables outside their stores. One shopkeeper said, "If I move my products inside, customers won't even know what I'm selling. Keeping items outside is essential for visibility and business."At Ashok Chowk in Adarsh Nagar, large numbers of LPG cylinders are stored on the pavement. These belong to well-known agencies like Indian Oil and are kept out in the open to make doorstep delivery "easier." Vinod Saini, who runs a nearby juice shop, says, "The agency's delivery boys have been doing this for over two years. Once a cylinder got stolen from the opposite footpath, so they started keeping them near our shop. Some are full, some empty, but all of it is risky."Even around the Ram Mandir Cinema area, footpaths have essentially disappeared under permanent shop structures and roadside café-like setups. Yet, no concrete solution has emerged from the civic authorities. Meetings are held, action plans are announced but little changes on the ground.

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