KARACHI:
A few months ago, there was a huge outrage regarding illegal constructions over nullahs in Sector E-11 of Islamabad. It resulted in unprecedented urban flooding during the monsoon season and swept away many cars and damaged several houses in this upscale sector. However, instead of being vigilant and enforcing bylaws, the Capital Development Authority conveniently blamed private housing societies operating in E-11 for carrying out unauthorised construction without obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC).
Another similar incident took place at the Shershah Chowk in Karachi where a plaza had been constructed over a nullah. There was an explosion because of the accumulation of lethal gases in the nullah, which resulted in the caving in of a bank branch as well as several showrooms located in the plaza causing dozens of casualties. However, no concerned authority took notice of this incident just as they had ignored the cutting down of trees next to the Safa Gold Mall in F-7 Markaz. After removing the trees, the owner created a parking area with a roof over the nullah supported by an array of pillars. This roof is now being used for the installation of diesel generator sets, AC plants, etc.
Regretfully, instead of discouraging such activities, an NOC has been issued to the owner by the CDA. This can result in another ecological disaster with serious hazards in the locality such as local flooding, the spread of deadly epidemics/viruses, accumulation of toxic/explosive gases due to garbage in the nullah, which is never cleaned. I request the relevant authorities to take immediate action against all illegal constructions and reverse these violations. Otherwise, these constructions will result in a concrete jungle and pose a grave threat to people’s livelihoods as well as the environment.
Fuad Enver
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, January 1st, 2022.
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