KW&SB says its lands are still under threat of occupation by land mafia

As much as 300 acres of KW&SB land is under threat of occupation from land mafia and squatters.

KARACHI: The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board perturbed by the quick manner in which land allocated to the department has been occupied by members of land mafia and squatters, released a statement on Saturday that as much as 300 acres of land is under threat of illegal occupation.

KW&SB managing director Misbahuddin Farid in a statement said that 300 acres of KW&SB land near North East Reservoir, LSR and HSR in Gulshan-e-Iqbal and other lands near COD Filtration Plant in Block 18 as well as on Habib Ibrahim Road (Karsaz) are under the threat of illegal possession.

The statement said that precious land allocated for different development projects has been in the crosshairs of land mafia. Many projects were recently inaugurated by Karachi Water & Sewerage Board for the betterment of the system on allocated lands.

Farid directed all Chief Engineers to take prompt actions against land mafia and ensure that anyone trying to occupy the land is reported to the police immediately.

The MD has also written letters to Commissioner Karachi, DIG Police East and Deputy Commissioner protesting against the illegal possession, demanding immediate action against the mafia.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had dismissed a case by land mafia on the request of KW&SB. However, the department lamented that the mafia remained active and engaged in constant efforts to procure KW&SB lands.

Farid claimed that the mafia start out by beginning construction including the use of blasting and other procedure which also damage KW&SB installations. This not only causes financial losses but disrupts flow of water supply and sewerage facilities as well.