Jaipur: Even after Supreme Court‘s latest direction to ensure encroachment-free and clearly marked footpaths across the country, pedestrians in Jaipur continue to be forced onto busy roads as pavements remain occupied by roadside stalls, cafes, parked vehicles and temporary structures.The problem is visible across several parts of the city. In Gopalpura, one of Jaipur’s largest coaching hubs, cafés and tea stalls have extended seating onto footpaths, leaving little space for pedestrians. On Sahakar Marg, an unauthorised vegetable market occupies both the pavement and part of the carriageway, while in Ashok Nagar and C-Scheme, office vehicles are routinely parked on footpaths. Although Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) recently removed several illegally placed Saras Dairy booths, encroachments continue across large stretches of the city’s pedestrian infrastructure.“I try to use the footpath every day, but it is usually blocked by café furniture or roadside stalls. In the end, I have no choice but to walk on the road alongside fast-moving traffic,” said Riya Sharma, a student attending coaching classes in Gopalpura.C-Scheme resident Abhishek Jain said many footpaths had effectively become parking spaces. “Unless there is regular enforcement and encroachments are prevented from returning, the problem will continue,” he said.Sarika Meena, a resident of Subhash Marg, said parked vehicles often force pedestrians onto the road during morning walks. “It is especially unsafe for children and elderly people,” she said.JDA enforcement wing DIG Anand Sharma said action had been taken against Saras booths operating outside designated locations. Notices have also been issued to encroachers on SL Marg and JLN Marg, and a meeting has been scheduled to address the issue. “We plan to avoid renewing permissions for booths located on footpaths and instead identify alternative locations. We are also working on removing temporary encroachments by commercial cafes,” Sharma said.Jaipur Municipal Corporation additional commissioner Narendra Bansal said area-wise teams were being constituted to clear footpaths and no-vending zones in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions. “Regular inspections will be carried out, and any fresh encroachment will be removed promptly,” Bansal said.“Development authorities should review any booths operating without proper allotment and take action as per the rules.”Revenue officer Manoj Verma said Saras booths under JMC are allotted only after obtaining the required NOCs and feasibility clearances from the departments concerned and traffic police. “Development authorities should review any booths operating without proper allotment and take action as per the rules,” Verma said.
