Jaipur: On Wednesday, Jaipur was named Rajasthan’s cleanest city in Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The honour, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, came on a day when parts of the city told a very different story: post-Diwali garbage lay piled up on roads, open depots overflowed, and residents in the Walled City complained of irregular waste collection.
Tripolia Bazaar
Jaipur Mayor Sunil Kothari and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Om Kasera were present at the award ceremony, where cities were recognised across multiple categories on the basis of population size and sanitation parameters. Under the Super Swachh League category, Navi Mumbai secured the first position, followed by Surat and Vijayawada. The detailed city-wise rankings are yet to be released.
Kanwar nagar, janta market
Amber Road
But as Jaipur authorities received applause in the national capital, a TOI reality check across several parts of the city found garbage depots at regular intervals, with waste spilling onto roads and public spaces.
Ramganj Bazar
At Ghat Gate Road, garbage was scattered along the divider and roadside. Cows were seen feeding on the waste, while residents covered their noses as they passed through the stretch.
Lal Kothi Sabji Mandi
“The filth has become a problem. Customers also avoid visiting the shop because of it,” said Ashiq Ali, who runs a bicycle shop on the road.
Garbage Walled City
Ali said the garbage collection vehicle had visited the area only once in the last three days. A choked drain outside his shop has made matters worse, with a foul smell spreading through the stretch.A similar situation was reported from Ramganj. Residents of Kanwar Nagar and Janta Market also complained of delayed garbage collection. One resident said the collection vehicle had last visited the area two days ago.At Tripolia Bazaar, shopkeepers said part of the waste had been left behind by temporary shops that occupied footpaths during Diwali. A shopkeeper said the stalls were removed only Wednesday, leaving garbage scattered in the market.At 80 Feet Road, heaps of garbage were seen outside shops, while open garbage depots added to the mess. Residents and shopkeepers said waste collection had become irregular during the Diwali period, allowing garbage to accumulate along the stretch.The contrast has renewed questions over how sanitation rankings reflect everyday cleanliness, especially in dense markets and old-city neighbourhoods where waste collection gaps become visible quickly after festivals.
