Bari Imam anti-slums drive rolls into phase II

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and administration have resumed operations against Islamabad's slums and illegal constructions after a three-month break.

After demolishing more than half of the 14 localities of Bari Imam and Noorpur Shahan, red notices have been issued to residents of all six localities behind the Bari Imam shrine, ordering them to vacate their houses within 72 hours.

Meanwhile, all temporary and permanent encroachments in Saidpur village, E-11 and E-12 have been demolished.

Residents were not even given time to remove their household belongings, prompting strong protests. Demonstrations and protests were also held, but the administration, with the help of police, foiled all resistance and removed the encroachments. Police also made announcements over loudspeakers asking residents to vacate their homes.

More than 50 kanals of land was reclaimed and the operation continued throughout the day.

Three months ago, an operation had been conducted in the Bari Imam area in front of and on both sides of the shrine, during which houses and shops in all streets and localities, as well as the main Bari Imam Bazaar, were completely bulldozed.

Preparations have now been completed for the second phase of the operation in the localities behind the Bari Imam shrine. Red notices have been issued to all houses in the areas behind the shrine, including Opar Mohalla Shehar, Banan Mohalla and those along the Margalla Hills.

After receiving the notices, residents who had been living there for more than 100 years began removing their valuables. Residents of the areas also started removing expensive tiles and iron fittings installed in their houses.

Meanwhile, a large number of contractors dealing in old building material have reached the localities behind the Bari Imam shrine and started purchasing debris from double-storey houses for Rs500,000 to Rs800,000.

The contractors, along with dozens of labourers, have started removing wood and iron windows, cupboards, doors and ventilators from the houses.

They have also started removing tiles and fixtures from kitchens and bathrooms. Old tiles, bricks, windows and doors from houses have been placed in the areas for sale.

Residents Faizullah, Hamid Khan and Haji Ibrahim said no alternative place or compensation was being provided to any resident, while the operation team maintained that no compensation was payable for encroachments.

After the operation, only the Bari Imam shrine will remain in the entire Noorpur Shahan area, with residential settlements on all four sides completely removed. In the third phase, several acres of government land around the Bari Imam shrine will also be separated from the shrine.