Jaipur: Residents of Jhotwara assembly constituency took to the streets Sunday to protest poor roads, waterlogging and inadequate sewerage and drainage systems. While residents of Niwaru Road staged a symbolic ‘jal satyagraha’ and sailed a boat through rainwater accumulated on the road, those in Gandhi Path West burnt an effigy of Jhotwara MLA Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore over damaged roads and delays in development works.Residents of Niwaru Road said the area was regulated nearly 10 years ago, but basic amenities such as proper roads, sewerage and drainage systems were still missing. They said every spell of rain leaves roads waterlogged, with dirty water accumulating at several places. The situation affects daily commuting and increases the risk of accidents, particularly for two-wheeler riders who cannot spot potholes and open drains under the water.Local resident Devendra Pratap Singh said, “We have been living here for years. It has been nearly 10 years since the area was regulated by the JDA, but we still do not have basic facilities. The roads, sewerage and drainage systems are all in poor condition.”Singh added, “We have complained several times, including through the CM helpline 181, but there has been no improvement. Who are we supposed to approach now?” He said the symbolic water protest was staged to draw the govt’s attention to their problems.Residents demanded a proper sewerage and drainage network instead of temporary measures after every spell of rain and warned that their protest would continue until a permanent solution was found.Meanwhile, residents of Gandhi Path West protested against damaged roads, potholes, delays in development works and other civic problems. Resident Ankit Kapoor said people had been struggling with these issues for a long time and had come together after repeated complaints failed to yield a solution.Residents said the poor condition of roads was leading to accidents, damaging vehicles and making daily travel difficult. They said safe roads were a basic necessity and demanded that the administration address the problems on the ground instead of limiting itself to assurances.The protests in the two areas reflect growing frustration among residents over civic problems that have persisted for years. Residents are now demanding permanent improvements in roads, sewerage and drainage rather than short-term measures taken only after the rains.
