Encroachments in Cantt areas irk residents
Residents of several cantonment areas are reportedly suffering due to encroachments and illegal commercial activities in residential areas.
However, the authorities concerned seem least interested to take action in accordance with the law against violators.
Illegal commercial activities in several residential areas of Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) including Gawalmandi, Chor, Masrial Road, Tench Bhatta, Dhoke Syedan, Bakra Mandi and Chungi No. 22 have been witnessed as encroachers who have occupied streets and roads, create problems for motorists and pedestrians – particularly women and children.
Questions such as why a number of roads have been declared eligible for commercial activities when there are no parking arrangements have been raised by residents.
Almost all unauthorised commercial units, factories, godowns and offices in residential areas lack parking arrangements, which results in vehicles being parked on the roads and causing traffic congestion.
The majority of such units also lack fire safety arrangements, posing a threat to residents. There is no check on noise pollution generated by industrial units either.
According to residents, most streets of Tench Bhatta, Peoples Colony, Dhoke Syedan, Bakra Mandi, Chungi No. 22, Chor, Gawalmandi, etc have been converted into commercial centres, with traders converting houses into workshops, godowns and offices.
Residents have also complained that influential persons in connivance with the authorities concerned are constructing illegal plazas and shops, further contributing to the deterioration of the situation.
Violating building bylaws, a number of commercial stores, restaurants and other units have been opened in the residential area of Tench Bhatta, Chor and Gawalmandi.
A resident said, "The roads were declared commercial by ignoring the safety of residents and traffic-related issues. Due to the authorities' concerned apathy and negligence, residents are suffering because no action was taken on the complaints against violations.
Encroachments have become a major problem not only for motorists but also area residents, while the concerned are taking no action.”
Wajid, another resident, said that one could witness the traffic mess on Tench Bhatta road as shopkeepers had occupied both sides of the road and left no space for movement of pedestrians.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 25th, 2021.