Anti-encroachment drive continues

Shopkeepers fearing losses begin clearing up illegal structures

KARACHI: The Clifton Cantonment Board (CBC) Korangi on Tuesday continued its anti-encroachment drive on the streets and roads in areas falling under its jurisdiction.

Clifton Cantonment Board administration conducted a large scale anti-encroachment operation in Kala Pull adjacent to main Korangi Road, Hazara Colony and Jamhoor Colony. Heavy machinery was used in the operation. Encroachments in front of different hotels and shops were demolished. Action was taken against shops in auto parts market on main road and the hindrances in the traffic were completely removed. Encroachments included cabins on footpaths, push-carts and other material. According to the CBC spokesperson, in the next phase anti-encroachment operation will be carried out in Punjab colony, Dehli Colony and even on Badar Commercial.

Cutting losses

The shopkeepers in a market in Korangi number 2 began clearing up illegal structures built on their shops between the nights of Monday and Tuesday, fearing an action by anti-encroachment teams.

They said that when the anti-encroachment teams visited the area last week, they had requested the authorities to allow them time to clear up illegal structures built on their shops.



The municipal authorities accepted the request and gave a week's time to the shopkeepers to remove encroachments. However, after the departure of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) squad, the shopkeepers went back to their routine businesses. When the anti-encroachment teams arrived again on Monday morning, they realised the severity of the situation and request the KMC officers to allow them more time. They were given another 24 hours.

Realising that action would now definitely be taken against encroachments, the shopkeepers themselves started to remove shades and boards around their shops.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2018.