Encroachments plague markets in Bahawalpur

Shopkeepers have encroach 10 to 15 feet of area outside their shops in markets

BAHAWALPUR: Encroachments in the city, especially in Ramazan bazaars, have increased tenfold.

Shopkeepers have encroached 10 to 15 feet of the area outside their shops in markets.

“People, carts and motorbikes alike have to navigate this mess. As a woman, I am naturally wary of visiting these overcrowded fish markets,” stated Azra Bibi, a resident of Shadman Colony.



Muhammad Talha, a resident of Phattay Wali Gali, said that many citizens cut through these bazaars while on their regular, day-to-day business. Now it takes us several hours if we wish to complete an errand in the area, he revealed.

Despite the complete and utter chaos that is plaguing citizens at these markets, the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) City remains mum on the situation. We regularly conduct operations to clear out these encroachments, bu they keep popping up again, maintained a TMA City officials requesting anonymity.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2018.