Encroachment of public space rampant

Citizens demand an all-out operation be carried out to end menace

GUJRANWALA: Encroachment is one of the major problems in different markets of Gujranwala. Residents of these areas say that encroachments have become a thriving business involving millions of rupees and cannot be run without the support of some “high-ups”.

They say that despite many complaints, nothing has been done to improve the situation, adding they are facing immense problems because of the illegal structures and makeshift stalls established on pavements and other public spaces.

Shoppers face immense difficulties owing to the large scale encroachment in markets which has led to calls for taking notice of the situation.

Citizens told Express News that encroachments have increased on a massive scale in markets and trade centres. People selling green groceries on wheel carts have increased in number, making it difficult for citizens to even walk.

The Purana Noora Kot Market, Main Market, Barelvi Market, Ghalla Mandi Market, Newan Market and others are now flooded with encroachments.

District govt launches anti-encroachment drive

Shopkeepers have kept their items on footpaths and even on the roads, while the wheel carts and stall keepers have taken whatever space was left. Many shopkeepers have formed solid encroachments.

The stall holders could be seen sitting in front of the shops occupying public space.

In addition, traffic jams have become a common site on GT Road and main markets due to the encroachments and wheel carts.

Municipal Committee Regulation Officer Samira Sami conducted an operation to remove encroachments, but those involved have retaken their former positions.

The citizens have strongly demanded that an all-out operation be carried out to end the menace of illegal encroachments.

They said that it is almost certain that the menace of encroachment cannot be controlled at the municipal level until authorities concerned take it seriously.

Several anti-encroachment drives have been launched in the town in the past, but municipal authorities faced a lot of difficulties to consolidate whatever success they achieved mainly because they cannot get a desired response from certain government authorities.

A survey conducted by Express News of main market places and shopping or commercial areas in the city shows that encroachers have occupied the spots from where they were removed during previous campaigns. They continue doing business on encroached lands as if they were never dislodged.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2018.