More than two thousand and two hundred shops were demolished during the anti-encroachment drive so far, Supreme Court (SC) was informed on Wednesday. A compliance report jointly prepared by Federal, Sindh and City Governments regarding the orders of apex court for removal of encroachments submitted in the apex court stated some 1341 more shops would be demolished in the coming days.
Report submitted that 744 shops were demolished in Empress Market, 603 in Umar Farooq Market, 176 in Mairaj Market in Aram Bagh, 151 in Jahangir Park Market in Saddar, 297 in Ali Dina Water Course Road Market, Lunda Market (Light House), 100 in Jinnah Market.
Besides, three shops at Regal Chowk Saddar, two shops at Akbar Road Market, 19 shops at Nanakwara Market and 139 in Khori Garden area of the metropolis.
It indicated that 108 shops in Zoological Garden Market, adjacent to Karachi Zoo would be demolished as well as 936 shops in Lea Market area of Karachi would be removed, which would put the total targeted shops in anti-encroachment drive at 3575.
Compliance report also submitted the proposals for the adjustment of shops demolished in the operation against encroachment. It revealed that 250 demolished shops would be adjusted at the vacant plot of KMC near PIDC Bridge at MT Khan Road. A total 350 demolished shops would be relocated at Temporary Shahbuddin Market at Lines Area. 61 stalls would be relocated at Vegetable section at Ranchore Line KMC Market.
Whereas, 42 stalls would be relocated at Frere Market KMC, 100 shops/stalls at Open Market Plot at Khada Market Lyari, 27 stalls at Hall No1 KMC Market Liaquatabad Super Market and 640 shops at land behind Iqbal Market Police Station in Orangi Town.
Likewise, 240 shops would be adjusted on ground floor of Parking Plaza at Lines Area, 400 shops in front of Parking Plaza Lines Area, 1200 shops plot behind Boltan Market, 265 shops at plot behind Kharadar Police Station.
Compliance report disclosed that Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) sent a summary to Chief Minister Sindh for the relocation of these shops.
Compliance report stated that Government Sindh is committed to rehabilitate the affected shopkeepers of Empress Market and would give consideration to the summary put up by Mayor Karachi in this regard.
Report also stated that KMC needs Rs 200 million for lifting of debris of demolished shops in district south as well as rehabilitation of roads and walkways through patch work, repair of damaged footpaths and maintenance of damaged lights.