Political activity is picking up across villages in Rajasthan ahead of the Panchayat elections 2026, with political parties and potential candidates reaching out to villagers to consolidate their support. However, this electoral outreach is also bringing ground realities to light. During an interactive electoral session in Rajsamand district, residents of the Kalbelia settlement in Ulpura village voiced their grievances openly, stating that their community still lacks fundamental facilities such as roads, clean drinking water, electricity, and education for children.
Neglected Plight of a Marginalized Settlement
Residents alleged that authorities have failed to pay adequate attention to the problems plaguing this low-income neighborhood. The situation is such that there is no proper approach road leading to the settlement, the overhead water tank connected to the handpump is broken, and a complete lack of street lighting causes daily distress after sunset. Villagers also pointed out the absence of a school within the settlement, meaning children miss out on accessible education. These pressing issues have cast a shadow over local governance and the actual delivery of development projects ahead of the upcoming polls.
Dilapidated Roads Hinder Daily Movement
During the public interaction, locals explained that the paths leading in and out of the Ulpura Kalbelia settlement are in dismal condition. The battered pathways make commuting extremely difficult for everyone. Families living in the area face immense hurdles even for routine daily chores due to the lack of proper infrastructure. The absence of a decent road questions the core claims of rural development, prompting residents to demand immediate repairs to ease their daily commute.
Drinking Water Crisis Due to Broken Infrastructure
The community also shed light on their struggles regarding drinking water supply. According to the residents, a handpump was linked to a water tank to meet daily needs, but the tank is completely broken. This leaves the water arrangement in disarray. Clean drinking water is a basic human necessity, yet this settlement has seen no permanent resolution to the crisis. Villagers want the water system restored promptly to relieve their daily hardships.
Absence of Schools Threatens Children Future
Education remains a major worry for parents in the settlement. They highlighted that there is no school nearby for their children to attend. Education forms the bedrock of a secure future, but the lack of educational facilities forces families to struggle endlessly. Locals argue that rural development must be measured by the availability of essential services like schools rather than mere political announcements.
Darkness After Sunset and Wildlife Threats
Residents of the Kalbelia settlement noted that there are no street lights installed in the area. Once night falls, absolute darkness takes over the paths. Due to the lack of illumination, villagers face a constant threat from wild animals, making it dangerous to step out or travel after dark. The community has urged authorities to install street lights to ensure safe movement during the night.
Electoral Context and Mounting Public Demands
As the Panchayat elections 2026 approach, the surfacing of these deep-rooted problems in the Ulpura Kalbelia settlement has put local development claims under scrutiny. Villagers demand urgent attention toward roads, water supply, electricity, and schools. With rural development dominating conversations during the campaign season, it remains to be seen how elected representatives and officials respond to these urgent demands. The locals hope their grievances reach the right quarters so they no longer have to wait indefinitely for basic civic amenities.
