Encroachments on Karachi roads can rightly be called the ‘mother of all problems’ in the city’s traffic system, as they significantly reduce road space. Illegal roadside stalls, pushcarts, improper parking, spillovers from shops, extended shop structures, cabins and informal markets all shrink the usable width of roads. These encroachments create traffic jams even during off-peak hours. Public transport, ambulances and emergency services also suffer delays. Sidewalks are often fully occupied by vendors, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads, increasing the risk of accidents and reducing overall safety. Encroachments also block storm water drains and manholes. During monsoon season, this worsens urban flooding. Mega projects like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Green Line, and road expansion efforts are delayed due to the cost and conflict in removing encroachments.
The concerned authorities are requested to take strict anti-encroachment enforcement- not just symbolic drives. Introduce long-term relocation plans for hawkers, coordinated planning between KMC, cantonments, and the Sindh government. Public awareness campaigns must also be launched to highlight the true cost of encroachments of urban life.
Dr Mohammad Saleem
Karachi
