Rain weakens foundation of flats built by JMC for the poor

JAIPUR: Hundreds of flats constructed under Rajiv Awas Yojana in 2015 for lower income groups in the city’s Sanjay Nagar Bhatta Basti are still lying vacant with water seeping into the structures which may lead to their collapse during heavy rains.
More than 1,500 flats, constructed by Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC), haven’t been allotted to anyone. Heavy rainfall on Friday last created havoc in the city and the foundations of these houses have been weakened.
Altaf Ahmad, a resident of the slum, said heavy rainfall on August 14 covered the entire area under 4 feet water. “Since that time, big pits have been created under the flats which could be dangerous,” said Ahmad.
People in the slum (Kacchi Basti) nearby are living in pathetic conditions with many still calculating the losses of heavy rainfall. “I took Rs 30,000 loan to construct the wall in my courtyard but these rains just swept everything away. I don’t know how am I supposed to pay back?” said Shamina, resident of the slum.
Just behind Shamina’s house stays Sabina Bibi who house has been severely damaged because of the rains. She is now living in neighbour’s house till she can arrange some money to construct again.
Iqbal Khan, an old watchman of flats appointed on a monthly salary by the JMC, said recently a few people started to live inside the flats with an intention of encroaching it.
“Police later came and removed the encroachers. But why can’t government just allot these flats to the needy. Already people have suffered heavy losses in the rains and these flats would be a lifesaver for poor people who are still paying monthly rent,” said Khan.