by FARID SABRI
Illegal encroachments next to GT road by politically influential individuals are not only causing inconvenience to passing traffic but also making a dent in revenues of Capital Development Authority (CDA) and National Highway Authority (NHA).
A large number of encroachments are setup at 26-number Chungi and Tarnol Phattak towards Margalla hills. A total stretch of 15 kilometer was highlighted for action against encroachment by army and local authorities.
According to the documents, obtained under freedom of information, reveals that NHA had failed to take any action against the encroachments which are a nuisance to the smooth flow of traffic.
These encroachments had caused numerous fatal accidents on GT road at N-5. The letter, copy available with Pakistan Today, states NHA has recently written a letter to assistant commissioner Islamabad with subject “Provision of Magistrate and Police force for removal of illegal encroachments between 26 no. Chungi and Tarnool Phattak towards Margalla Hills, NBC and SBC on GT road at N-5”
Anti encroachment team had also served final notices to encroachers under the section 12 of NHA act, 1991 against the said encroachments. However, the encroachers are still present at the sites that belong to NHA and CDA.
It has been requested to ICT administration by NHA to deploy magistrate and police force for removal of encroachments and illegal kiosks constructed within NHA row. Sources confided that scores of illegal kiosks and rooms were constructed adjacent to GT road at N-5.
The encroachers had good relations with MPAs and it is tough to vacate this area and demolish the encroachments by incumbent government.
