Jaipur: The recent deaths caused by collapsing buildings at Subhash Chowk in the Walled City once again highlighted the slow pace of action by Jaipur Municipal Corporation-Heritage (JMC-H). In Kishanpol Zone, which has the highest number of dilapidated structures, sealing and demolition operations have been ongoing for the past month.According to municipal regulations, after inspecting a building’s condition, owners are issued notices of 24 hours, three days or seven days. A 24-hour notice demands immediate evacuation, while three and seven-day notices instruct owners to vacate and carry out repairs, along with a requirement to reply to the corporation confirming that work has begun. However, even after notices are issued, action is often delayed, giving owners additional time to start repairs.Deputy commissioner of Kishanpol zone, Dilip Bhambhani, said, “It’s not that we do not take action. If a building owner gives us an assurance, we give them 15 days to begin repair work. The time required for repairs depends entirely on the owner.” On arrangements for people who must vacate within 24 hours, Bhambhani said, “Most residents have alternative places to stay. But if they don’t, we temporarily accommodate them in community centres.“Although the municipal team is conducting inspections and enforcement continuously, a shortage of staff and the high number of dilapidated buildings often causes delays in sealing or demolition even after notices are issued. So far, 32 buildings were sealed and 13 demolished. TNN
