Squatters renew attempts to occupy land in capital suburbs

Filling up large areas around Swan River with sand increases fear of floods

ISLAMABAD:

Squatters have once again started grabbing the government property under river Swan adjacent to the industrial area of Humak Jawa in the suburbs of the federal capital.

It has been reported that the land grabbers group had earlier tried to occupy land under the Swan River by filling it with sand before the monsoon rains this year. The group was selling government land to innocent people by filling up the river.

The ICT administration taking notice of the illegal activity had sprung into action against the squatters and put a halt to their activity. However, after the new administration came, the same group once again started occupying the government land with the alleged collusion of the local police personnel.

Taking advantage of Saturday's holiday, they filled up a large area around the Swan River, due to which the channels required for water drainage in the coming monsoon rains have become narrow and the fear of flooding has increased.

The area has already been under threat of floods. Earlier this year, three people of a single family lost their lives due to floods from the river as their homes were inundated.

This matter was brought to the notice of CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Captain (retd) Muhammad Usman on Saturday who called an emergency meeting on the holiday to discuss the issue of encroachments and illegal constructions in Islamabad.

The meeting also saw the participation of Member Planning, Member Environment, Member State, DC, CDA, CEO of MCI, Directors of Building Control, DG Enforcement and Director DMA.

The chairman of the meeting directed the offiicers to carry out a complete survey of Islamabad with the identification of illegal buildings already constructed and buildings currently being constructed illegally.