'Nullah Mafia' encroaches on govt-owned drainage land

Over 1,000 kanals of government-owned drainage land across Abbottabad district have reportedly fallen prey to encroachment, prompting the district administration to prepare for a sweeping operation against the so-called "Nullah mafia".

According to fresh revelations, at least 1,000 kanals of ravines and Nullah have either disappeared or been obstructed due to illegal construction, contributing to urban flooding, environmental degradation and millions in financial losses annually.

The issue was the focus of a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sanaullah Khan, where officials discussed a comprehensive strategy to eliminate illegal structures choking the city's drainage system.

The meeting was attended by ADC General Gohar Ali, Galiyat DFO, Abbottabad AC Zarak Yar Khan Toru, an under-training AC and officers from the Irrigation Department, TMO offices and other key agencies.

Officials identified several high-risk areas where drains have either vanished or been built over, including Bilal Town, Hassan Town, Harno, Main Bazaar, Bus Stand, Kunj, Kihal, Karakoram Highway (KKH), Mirpur, Kakul and Jhangi, as well as the COMSATS University to the Complex stretch.

In some zones, stormwater channels are buried under sand, debris and unapproved structures; in others, shops, plazas and residences have been constructed directly over natural waterways .DC Sanaullah Khan issued a strong warning to land grabbers, saying no leniency would be shown. "An indiscriminate and sustained operation will begin shortly and will continue until all state-owned drainage lands are reclaimed," he stated.