Jaipur: Piles of garbage, poor maintenance and a foul stench have returned to the Dravyavati River, raising questions over promises to create a clean, revitalised waterfront. Residents of Mansarovar and Hasanpura complain of worsening pollution, while Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) maintains that the system is functioning properly.The Rs 1,500 crore project, launched during the Vasundhara Raje govt, was aimed at transforming the former Amanishah Nallah into a clean urban river by intercepting sewage through five sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of 170 million litres per day (MLD).Residents said the situation worsens during the monsoon, when garbage from surrounding areas is washed into the river with rainwater. “For the last five to six months, new heaps of garbage appear almost every day,” said a Mansarovar resident, adding that civic authorities used to clear garbage before the monsoon to prevent it from entering the river.Ranu Singh, a resident living near the river, alleged that security at the riverfront had also weakened. “Security guards posted at the entry gates are often absent, allowing anti-social elements to gather at night. People consume alcohol and drugs here after it gets dark, making the area unsafe,” she said. She also pointed to damaged stretches of mesh fencing along the riverbank, saying they posed a risk, especially to children.Deepanshu Parihar(20), who is preparing for a competitive examination, said two-wheelers frequently use the designated walking track, putting joggers and pedestrians at risk.JDA executive engineer Tarun Singhal said the STPs are operate at their full 170 MLD capacity, except during the monsoon when inflows increase. “The main issue is indiscriminate dumping of household and construction waste. Better garbage removal is essential to reduce the burden on the river,” he said, adding that the STPs, operated by Tata Projects, recently received an “AA” rating from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board.Sources said part of the payment due to Tata Projects has remained pending since 2023. A proposed 20 MLD STP at Sushilpura, announced last year to ease the load on the treatment network, is yet to take off due to a stay order by the JDA Tribunal.
