KMC pulls down illegal houses on hills

Anti-encroachment operation in Orangi Town faces resistance from land mafia

KARACHI:

During a major operation against encroachments in Orangi Town, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) demolished houses built on hills. During the operation, unknown persons pelted stones at the KMC staff as a result tension gripped the area and the demolition work was stopped. However, additional police personnel were called who brought the situation under control following which the demolition work on illegal structures was resumed and ten houses were demolished.

Under the supervision of KMC's Orangi Town Project Director the illegally constructed houses on a hill in Mominabad, Rahimshah Colony were demolished.

Orangi Town Project Director Raza Abbas Rizvi said that land grabbers have occupied various places in Orangi Town. Illegal constructions were also taking place on the hills in Rahim Shah Colony.

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Raza Abbas Rizvi said that in the last eight months, more than fifty acres of land worth billions of rupees have been recovered.

He said that despite the threats in Orangi Town, the occupation group and the land mafia would continue to be targeted.

KMC sources say if the government land is not auctioned, the land mafia will re-occupy it because they are very influential people who are openly threatening the government staff and are in possession of government land worth billions of rupees.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2022.