Encroachment taking over Pindi streets

Residents accuse RCB of failing to control situation

RAWALPINDI: Encroachment in several parts of the cantonment in Rawalpindi have caused increasing problems for commuters and the authorities have been unable to remove them.

Encroachment have popped up in areas overseen by the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) including Gawalmandi, Aahata Mithu Khan, Saddar Bazaar, Tench Bhatta, Peoples Colony, Chungi No 22, Dhoke Syedan Chowk, Lal Kurti, Talhi Mori Chowk, Ghosia Chowk, Lalazar, Marrir Hassan, Chanda Chichi, Rehmatabad and other areas have become one of the biggest problems not only for motorists, but also for residents of these areas.

The encroachment is leading to traffic jams in these areas.

Residents said that encroachers have occupied around half of the road. As a result, not only do motorists, but pedestrians also face problems due to footpaths occupied by stalls.

“The concerned authorities should play their role in removing these encroachers from the roads for the smooth flow of traffic,”
they urged.

Altaf, a resident of Gawalmandi said that the Gawalmandi area regularly witnesses traffic congestions due to the motor workshops which line both sides of the road. Cars are parked on either side of the road as mechanics work on them.

This congestion leaves little space for pedestrians, let alone cars to manoeuvre through.

Majid, another resident, held the RCB responsible for taking action against businesses which occupy road or foot space.

“The residents of Cantonment areas are facing great difficulties due to roadside auto workshops in many areas of the garrison city such as Gawalmandi, Aahata Mithu Khan, Adamjee Road, Ratta Road, Cantt Police Station road and Transit Camp,” Majid said, adding, “These workshops have encroached most of the footpaths as well.”

Apart from that, fluids from these cars are allowed to flow onto the road, marring the beauty of the area. It just adds to the pollution it results in including the worsening air pollution because of cars crawling through the road.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2018.