A late-night structural failure in one of Jaipur's prominent markets has raised serious alarms about the safety of the city's historic commercial areas. The verandahs of three shops in Nehru Bazaar, located near the iconic Ajmeri Gate, collapsed in the early hours of Saturday.
Midnight Collapse Triggers Safety Concerns
The incident occurred past midnight when the market was closed, which fortunately prevented any injuries. However, it has cast a harsh spotlight on the fragile condition of numerous old structures in the Pink City's bustling bazaars. The collapse happened at the peak of the tourist season, a time when footfall in these areas is significantly high.
Suresh Saini, the General Secretary of the Jaipur Vyapar Mahasangh, identified the affected shops as numbers 175, 176, and 177. He revealed that a mere temporary barricade was installed as a token repair measure just about ten days before the collapse, indicating a lack of substantial preventive action.
A Wider Problem Across Heritage Markets
Saini emphasized that the problem is not isolated to Nehru Bazaar. He pointed out that verandahs in other famous markets like Tripolia Bazaar, Johari Bazaar, and Bapu Bazaar are also in a dangerous condition. This suggests a systemic issue of neglect affecting Jaipur's commercial heritage.
The traders' body had submitted a formal complaint to the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) approximately a month ago, but no effective remedial steps were taken in time. Saini also recalled a previous incident from two months ago, where a trader was injured after a veranda roof gave way in Indira Bazaar, underscoring a recurring pattern.
Root Causes and Official Response
Local shopkeepers provided crucial context for the structural weakening. They explained that when the JMC rebuilt the road in the area around a year and a half ago, the road level was raised above the shop verandahs. This design flaw led to water accumulation near the foundational pillars. The already poor drainage system, especially during monsoon rains, further eroded and weakened the foundations over time.
On the official front, JMC's Deputy Commissioner (Vigilance-II), Pushpendra Singh Rathore, acknowledged receiving the traders' complaint. He stated, "The file for repairs was moved forward, but the roof collapsed before final approval could be granted." This admission highlights potential delays in bureaucratic processes that may have contributed to the accident.
The collapse in Nehru Bazaar serves as a stark warning. It calls for an immediate, comprehensive audit and urgent repair of aging structures in Jaipur's historic markets to ensure the safety of both shopkeepers and the thousands of tourists who visit them.
