KARACHI: Govt moves to check illegal constructions
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Sept 26: Sindh government has directed the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) to submit a report regarding illegal construction being carried out in the Sindh High Court building, which is protected under the Sindh Cultural Heritage Protection Act, it is learnt reliably.
According to sources, the Sindh Culture Department, in its letter captioned ‘Illegal construction in Sindh High Court Building’ and addressed to the KBCA stated: “it has come to the notice of this department through press that some illegal construction has been started on the premises of the Sindh High Court which is a protected heritage building. You are, therefore, requested to kindly inspect the site and report to this department immediately.”
The construction activity in the building is going on for more than three weeks now. Shops, being constructed in a portion of the building, are now in final phase as finishing touch is being given to the structures.
Responding to Dawn’s queries, SCD Additional Secretary Rabiya Javery Agha said that no permission had been sought for any construction activity on the court premises. As such, there was no question of granting or denying the permission, she said. Citing the relevant rules, she said that an NOC had to be obtained from the department before starting any construction on a protected site.
Originally known as the ‘Judicial Commissioner’s Court’, the SHC building design was prepared in 1923. Construction work on the plot commenced in September 1923 with the estimated cost being Rs3 million. The project was completed in six years probably because of paucity of funds. The building was formally declared open on Nov 22, 1929 by governor of Bombay Frederick Hugh Sykes. The Judicial Commissioner’s Court remained the most impressive building of the city for years and is still regarded as one of the prestigious buildings of the metropolis.
The court building is one of the earliest structures in the city where Jodhpur’s Chhatar sandstone has been used liberally.
SHIKARPURI MARKET: An NGO, Shehri, has been approaching various government departments in its drive against demolition of the building that houses Shikarpuri Market and possesses the status of protected heritage site. The NGO has been mobilizing the official quarters for stern action against violators of the Sindh Cultural Heritage Protection Act.
According to sources, the NGO has also sent letters to the Karachi Building Control Authority and Sindh Culture Department, as well as police and other concerned authorities in this regard.
