Govt land retrieved from illegal possession
Residents collect their belongings after their shanty houses caught fire during the anti-encroachment operation in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. photo: Online
Indiscriminate operation against encroachments continues in the city to clear all the government lands.
On the directives of the Director General (DG) Karachi Development Authority (KDA) Syed Mohammad Ali Shah, Department of State and Enforcement demolished more than 500 slum huts in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 1 under the supervision of Additional Director State and Enforcement Jameel Baloch and took the possession of the land.
During the operation, local administration, police and Rangers personnel were present along with KDA staff to deal with any uncertainty.
Regarding operation, Jameel Baloch said that the operation was conducted near the University of Karachi (KU) on the complaint of the university administration. He said that the removed huts were safe haven for drug dealers and criminals.
He said that the anti-encroachment department immediately implemented a monitoring system after clearing the land completely.
According to the KDA spokesman, DG Syed Mohammad Ali Shah has said that no interference will be tolerated during the action against encroachment. KDA lands shall not be allowed to use for illegal activities at any cost.
According to the schedule issued by the Department of State and Enforcement, the operation against encroachment on KDA lands across the city will continue until January 18.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2023.