Strategically located Karachi Fish Harbour is faced with a severe encroachments and land grabbing from different illegal groups, which put a stiff resistance with threats if officials continued the cleaning operation against them. Officials of Karachi Fish Harbour Authority (KFHA) told Business Recorder on Friday about the resistance and threats they received from different groups who occupied land illegally and hold authorized businesses. "These groups are a real threat in the way of different schemes worth Rs 1.5 billion to develop the harbour on modern lines," they said.
They said that operation against the illegal trade of fish cutting and shrimp peeling, unauthorized construction by such groups inside the harbour and abandoned boats parked at the navigational channel are the key targets for the authority. "But resistance is huge against the cleaning operation," they added. However, they said that the Sindh Trawlers Owners and Fishermen Association (STOFA) also put a stiff resistance against the removal of vessels that have been left abandoned at the navigational channel for years, which created not only congestion but also contributed to the sea pollution. Over the past four days of operation, the authority removed nearly 100 boats from channel with around 40 still remaining.
The removal of boats from the congested channel provides a huge space for operational vessels to berth the harbour for discharging catch and loading of ration and other key material, they said, adding that the KFHA has also requested the Sindh Home Department to deploy Rangers there to help the officials continue the operation. "Hoping Rangers will reach the harbor soon," they said. The cleaning operation aims to make the harbour stink and dirt free, revamp the existing infrastructure and facilities and develop the entire port on modern lines and ensure all kind of safety including hygienic and working condition, they said, adding that the KFHA also requested the Pak Navy to assist it during the drive. "This drive is carried out in a way to make it conclusive for once to scale back the pollution from sea."
The rehabilitation scheme is going to start soon as the concerned company will get a contract by end of this month, they said. The authority has also issued a letter to different state-run institutions including Rangers, Police Department and Sindh Home Minister for a help. It states, "Karachi Fish Harbour Authority is a vital installation/key point and located at a strategic location. Hence, its security is of utmost important in nature." It further said, "KFHA is all set to start its ADP Schemes Rehabilitation and Renovation of Karachi Fish Harbour funded by Governor of Sindh. Keeping in view the smooth execution of the ADP Schemes KFHA has recently launched an operation with the assistance of Pakistan Navy against illegal encroachers, unauthorized business of fish cutters." The letter also highlighted the threats and resistance from groups to its officials who are carrying out the drive.
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