The anti-encroachment department of KMC continued its action against encroachments at Burns Road area on the second consecutive day (Sunday) and demolished 70 more shops which were built on foot paths and roads; however, many of the encroachments were removed by people themselves. Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Syed Saifur Rehman said that ongoing action against encroachments would be continued till the removal of all illegal constructions and structures made on foot paths, roads, streets, parks and drains.
Rehman, along with senior director coordination Masood Alam, visited the area and monitored the action. He directed the staff to further expedite the action and continue work without any break. "Burns Road is historical area of Karachi with many old buildings and the encroachments have adversely affected these beautiful buildings," he lamented, adding that more than 80 percent space was encroached on both sides of streets as shops and houses were built there causing a lot of difficulties to people residing there.
Metropolitan Commissioner said this action was being carried out on the orders of the Supreme Court and all encroachments from foot paths, drains and parks would be removed. He said all illegal constructions would be removed in this campaign and besides Burns Road, encroachments in Khori Garden, Lea Market, Jodia Bazaar, Kharadar, Mithadar and Garden area would also be removed. He said this is the first phase and in the second phase, debris and waste would be removed and then repairing of foot paths and roads would be completed in the third phase. He said that all debris from Saddar Empress Market was already removed and the colouring and renovation work at historical buildings was also in progress. Saifur Rehman said debris being lifted from Light House and other places where encroachments had been razed and the cleaning and colouring work would be completed speedily. "People have cooperated in this action which is in the larger interest of Karachi and Karachiites," he said.