BUREWALA City News

Encroachments on the rise in Burewala

From Nadeem Mushtaq Ramay

BUREWALA: Encroachments are on the rise in several areas of the city, The News observed here.

Encroachments in Vehari Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Goal Chowk, Arif Bazaar, Grain Road, Arabia Islamia Road, Multan Road, Chichawatni Road, Delhi-Multan Road and other areas have become one of the biggest problems not only for motorists, but also for residents of these areas.

The people say that encroachments are the main reason for traffic jams as the encroachers have occupied almost half of the roads. The people have demanded the TMA authorities take strict action against the shopkeepers, vendors and fruit and vegetable handcart owners, who are creating hurdles to smooth flow of traffic.

Ahmad Raza, a customer visiting Vehari Bazaar, says that one can see traffic mess on both sides of the road. He says that it is the responsibility of the tehsil municipal administration to take action against the encroachers. He says that Goal Chowk is centre of the city bazaars and Qabza mafia has set up stalls of shoes and other amenities there.

Pedestrians, who come for their daily shopping or for dealing with other affairs, have complained that it has become difficult to pass through these areas. They have blamed the authorities concerned for their failure to remove encroachments, saying that the vendors feel free to set up their fruit and vegetable stalls, second hand clothing sale points and other such businesses.

They say if any action is taken against the encroachers, the enforcement staff takes away their belongings and after the fine is paid, they returned their items but are free to again set up their stalls.

On the other hand, traffic remains blocked in different areas due to illegal bus stands, car showrooms and truck workshops.

The people have demanded the Vehari DCO look into the matter and order the authorities concerned to remove encroachments from the city. When contacted, Assistant Commissioner and TMA Administrator Ahmar Sohail Kaifi said that they are going to start an anti-encroachment drive in the city. He further said that there will be a visible difference after the anti-encroachment drive.