Encroachments increase as Eid approaches near

Karachi, August 15, 2011 (PPI): Encroachments on roads and footpaths of busy market areas in Karachi are on sharp rise, as Eidul Fitre approaches near, and powerful ‘encroachment mafia’ enjoying covert support of concerned quarters is eyeing Bhatta (extortion bribes) of millions of rupees in the Eid season.

As per details, hundreds of new roadside stalls of vendors have emerged in main markets of Saddar, Liaquatabad, Hyderi, Malir-Saudabad, Kharadar, MA Jinnah Road, Burns Road, Gulberg, Landhi, Korangi and other areas, with police, town administration and traffic police choosing not to interfere in this profitable malpractice. It is said that the business of illegal encroachments is supervised by powerful political quarters in their areas of influence. Every vendor who want to set up an illegal encroachment in his area of choice have to contact the agents of encroachment mafia and negotiate terms of Bhatta before starting his roadside business.

The net sufferers are pedestrians who have to share the remaining small portions of roads and streets with motorists, as footpaths and major portions of roads are encroached by vendors. The results in severe traffic jams, wasting precious time and fuel of people, besides aggravating already high air and noise pollution. Every year the administration announce special encroachment removing campaigns; however, saving a few cosmetic efforts for photo sessions, no serious and sustainable action is taken against the encroachment mafia due to their hidden political leverage.

The congested roadside encroachments are not only a traffic and pollution issue, but also a big security threat, as terrorists find such makeshift bazaars on roads and footpath where thousands of people mingle soft and easy target for their nefarious designs. The citizens have demanded of the Sindh governor, chief minister, minister local government, DCO and administrator Karachi to take notice of the issue and order a meaningful, result-oriented and sustainable drive to remove all and sundry illegal roadside encroachments from the busy areas of the city.