Rajasthan Orders Demolition of 2,699 Unsafe Buildings Amid Monsoon Safety Campaign

August 1, 2025

Jaipur: Following recent incidents in Jhalawar and Jaisalmer, the Rajasthan Department of Autonomous Governance has directed the sealing and removal of 2,699 dangerously dilapidated structures statewide. This decisive action is part of a broader monsoon preparedness initiative, which includes ground inspections, public warnings, and disaster risk mitigation.

The move comes in response to recent safety concerns raised by structural failures during heavy rains, prompting officials to heighten alertness across urban areas. To address the threat of building collapses and waterlogging disasters during the rainy season, the department has launched a comprehensive review of building safety and disaster preparedness.

Ravi Jain, the department’s Administrative Secretary, chaired a virtual meeting with the heads of 224 urban local bodies. During this session, he ordered the immediate sealing and demolition of the identified unsafe buildings, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to prevent casualties.

Jain called for regular inspections by municipal officials and urged them to display warning signs around risky buildings to alert the public. He announced that, based on structural audits, these 2,699 buildings have been flagged as unsafe and are currently being prioritized for sealing or demolition, especially those in high-population or high-risk zones.

He also stressed the importance of municipal officials conducting personal on-ground inspections, ensuring compliance, and maintaining visibility with caution notices. The officials are also required to report progress in real-time.

Another critical focus was electrical safety, as reports of electric shocks, fires, and short circuits increase during the rains. Jain instructed power companies to urgently repair and secure loose wires near electric poles, switchboxes, and distribution points, to prevent accidents.

Municipal fire brigades must be kept ready at all times with the necessary vehicles and equipment to handle emergencies such as fires or structural collapses. Coordination with electricity providers has been intensified to ensure quick responses to electrical hazards.

Given Rajasthan’s heavier-than-expected monsoon rainfall this year, strengthening urban infrastructure and safety measures has become a top priority to minimize casualties and damage.