CDA on demolition spree

Locals hold protest calling the action an illegal measure

ISLAMABAD: Scores of under construction homes were demolished in a district administration led anti-encroachment operation, which demolished encroachments around Korang Nullah, passing through Bani Gala.

Heavy contingents of policemen and women along with the district administration and the enforcement staff of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) were also a part of the operation. The local people resorted to a strong protest and called the operation an illegal measure.

The operation in-charge Ali Javed told the Daily Express on the occasion that only under construction buildings were being demolished. “No residential structure will be touched. Houses where people are living will not be demolished,” he said.

He further said that the announcement for the next operation will be
made after mutual consultation with the CDA. The CDA crane was used to demolish the encroachments and under construction buildings in specific areas.

The authorities on the occasion said that the antiencroachment operation on the directives of the court will remain unstoppable and that the area sprawling over 4 kilometres from Bani Gala to Bhara Kahu will be retrieved.

Later, the boundaries around Korang Nullah, running at 21 kilometres from Bhara Kahu to Murree will be completely demolished. The local people obstructed and imprecated the government.

Earlier this month, during the proceedings of the case regarding illegal construction in Bani Gala, the additional attorney general apprised the Supreme Court about illegal constructions at Korang Nullah.

According to a report by the Survey of Pakistan on Korang Nullah, people have built illegal building at the nullah’s land. “Who’s responsible for ending encroachments?,” Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had remarked during the hearing held on October 1.

Imran khan had asked the apex court to take notice of the issue when he had not become the prime minister, the chief justice said. “After taking the notice, we came to realise that the area was full of encroachment,” Justice Nisar said.

He said the court has already made it clear that all illegal buildings on nullah’s land would be demolished, whereas the decision regarding the Bani Gala properties must be taken by the government.