Capital is rife with illegal kiosks, markets and all kinds of structures
The Capital Administration Authority (CDA) has once again initiated its operation against encroachments and illegal constructions in Islamabad, taking down more than dozen illegally constructed cubicles in Bhara Kahu, rural Islamabad. The fresh wave of operations is undertaken by the enforcement wing of CDA on special directions of Chairman Maroof Afzal.
The operation was conducted in various sectors as well as adjacent areas of Islamabad. In sector F-11 and Sector I-10/1 the enforcement wing razed service station, kiosks and dozens of room on demarcated plots respectively. In order to make sure that no future occupation takes place, the staff dug land in the area previously seized by vendors and mechanics so that they can be deterred from undertaking such activities in future. Operations were also conducted in sector G-7 and G-8 as well
During a city-wide operation, the officials of enforcement wing also conducted operations in the main centers of the capital and levelled illegal structures.
Many such operations are initiated and stopped every other month. The influential folks behind the encroachers get back within days or at most weeks. As reported previously in this paper, hardly a single pavement or parking slot in sector G-8 has been spared by automobile mafia. They have displayed their merchandise (cars, vans, jeeps) on the roads and footpaths while the CDA has never dared to initiate a single operation against them. However, the operations against mechanics and fruit vendors are undertaken on a weekly basis.
“Other businesses have died down because of these showrooms in sector G-8. The car dealers have even encroached upon the footpaths that are on the other side of the center and belong to the residents. We have repeatedly launched complaints with the concerned authorities, but no action has been taken thus far. I request the Mayor Ansar Aziz to do something about this mafia and rid us of the dilemma,” said Ahmed Jamil, a resident and businessman.
