QMC found negligent of implementing judicial orders

Hyd DC directs removal of encroachments in Qasimabad

HYDERABAD:

The Qasimabad Municipal Committee (QMC) has been evading implementation on the Sindh High Court's (SHC) order for removal of power generators from roads and footpaths besides some other types of encroachments.

Hyderabad deputy commissioner in a recent correspondence also acknowledged the evasion and directed the chief municipal officer (CMO) of QMC to comply with the order.

"It has been observed with grave concern that the MC Qasimabad hasn't taken tangible measures for the removal of encroachments on the public places," reads the DC's letter.

"…the roads are occupied by the car showrooms, hotels and shops and even the generators can be seen placed on the main roads of Qasimabad. The shopkeepers are operating in public places instead of within their own shops with full liberty."

The SHC's Hyderabad Circuit Bench had given on January 29 around a month's time to the district administration and the municipal authorities to remove encroachments from all areas of the district. The deadline was extended by one more month on March 3.

On March 11, the court had ordered the removal of power generators and other forms of encroachments like placement of tables and chairs by cafes and restaurants from roads, footpaths and greenbelts within 15 days. The bench had also nullified the December 4, 2014, notification of the Sindh local government secretary which allowed the installment of generators on public places against a fee. The SHC had also ordered the police to implement the order and to lodge FIRs against the people defying the order.

The DC wrote the letter in question after completion of the 15-day deadline. He directed the chief municipal officer to act swiftly against the identified encroachments and to submit a certificate signed by the CMO and station house officer (SHO) of the relevant police station to his office.

The QMC has also not been implementing the order of the SHC Sukkur bench to kill stray dogs, which can be seen on all the main roads including the entrances of government hospitals.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2021.