Action against encroachments demanded

Rawalpindi: The residents of Satellite Town particularly those residing in F-Block have demanded of the top management of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) to take notice increasing violations of building by-laws and encroachments in New Katarian Market and its surroundings.

The residents of F Block said that the encroachment upon the government land occupation of verandas by shopkeepers and other encroachers and multi-storey buildings being raised in New Katarian Market, which is main shopping centre of the area, has made the life miserable for them.

Shahid, a resident of F-Block said the shopkeepers have extended their shops to verandas thus occupying the place which was meant for pedestrians forcing them to walk on the road leaving them at mercy of hot weather. "The situation becomes more difficult for pedestrians when there is heavy rain," he said.

He pointed out that majority of shopkeepers have erected shutters of their shops beyond their limits saying the occupied area falls in their jurisdictions. Similarly, every new construction taking place in the market is also in violation of building by-laws while the RDA is closing its eyes to the whole situation.