Illegal structures: CDA, ICT launch joint drive against encroachers

CDA, ICT demolished several buildings from Serai Kharbooza stop to Sangjani

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) and administration of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) are carrying out joint anti encroachment operations across the board.

All illegal constructions and encroachments are being targeted during this operation.

In this context CDA and ICT carried out a joint operation to remove encroachments and constructions on the right of way of GT Road from Serai Kharbooza stop to Sangjani and demolished several buildings, plazas, markets and illegal constructions from the vicinity.

The operations were undertaken by all officials of the Enforcement Directorate of ICT and other concerned formations of the authority.

While heavy contingent of police was deployed to ward off any unpleasant situation Anti-Riot Unit of ICT police were also deployed during the operation. Furthermore, heavy machinery of MPO Directorate and other formations of CDA were also utilised to demolish illegal constructions.

During this operation, 42 illegally constructed shops, 26 rooms, two sheds, six gates, 13 boundary walls, five billboards and two hotels nine wash rooms, two containers and two storey offices constructed illegally on state land were completely demolished and several kanals of state land was retrieved from illegal occupants.

While the authorities continue demolishing constructed encroachment, the illegal occupation of roads by vendors and transporters continue.

Despite tall claims by authorities concerned, encroachers are still active in different areas of the city. The encroachments are increasing day-by-day in different parts of the city but concerned authorities have not taken concrete steps to check the practice.

Adiala Road, Dhamial Road, Chakri Road, Morgah, Misrial Road, Dhama Mor and several other areas are still occupied by the encroachers. The  shopkeepers and vendors have occupied most of the footpaths and open spaces with Suzuki pickups, and other goods displayed by shopkeepers in front of their shops hampering traffic flow besides creating trouble for the pedestrians to walk. Rawalpindi Cantonment is also not safe from encroachments particularly areas including Tench Bhata Bazaar, Peoples Colony, Chungi No22, Dhoke Syedan, Bakra Mandi, Dhamiyal Road, Talli Mori and other localities. Traffic jam is a routine affair particularly during peak hours. Chakri Road, which is nearly 120 feet wide, is shrinking due to encroachments.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2018.