THE authorities concerned must be commended for their rejuvenated anti-encroachment drive in Karachi. Not many people would dispute the fact that unauthorised encroachments on many a sidewalk, pathway and thoroughfare in the city had been causing a great many problems not only for pedestrians and passersby, but also for the already aggravated problem of traffic congestion.
There isn’t a single locality that has escaped those whose push-carts or make-shift kiosks spring up like weeds on any vacant space they set their eyes on. A visit to areas like Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Korangi, Orangi, Gulshan-i-Iqbal and Gulistan-i-Johar would endorse the observation. Hence, it is imperative the drive continue with missionary zeal.
Having said that, one can’t help but notice the way in which the anti-encroachment campaign is being carried out.
One fine morning, truckloads of officials storm into a specific area and start dislodging and dismantling canopies and small tents sheltering make-shift shops, sometimes overturning push-carts and screaming their lungs out at vendors.
This creates a terrible air of panic all around. It must be taken into consideration here that there should be a civilized way of forewarning the encroachers so that they could prepare themselves for every eventuality.
The issue doesn’t end here. In many localities people are accustomed to buying stuff like groceries and meat from temporary shops.
They need some time to get habituated to the idea that they should buy their necessities from regular shops. The sudden disappearance of vendors sometimes makes them jittery.
Last but not least, and perhaps more importantly, some people’s lives depend on selling stuff from the roadside. There’s the fruit chaatwala in my area, a gem of a person who has three children: two schoolgoing and one in college.
He makes ends meet by selling fruit salad, and a scrumptious one at that. He himself is a university graduate. Whenever I’ve had a chance to chitchat with him, I’ve found him to be a prudent individual, who finds tremendous dignity in labour. Everyday when dusk falls, he starts his business.
A few days ago, one fine evening when he came to his stall, it wasn’t there and was uprooted and taken away by officials concerned. I have yet to meet him ever since or taste his mouth-watering salad.
This piece does not intend to justify encroachments, not at all. They need to be eliminated no matter what. However, the drive should be carried in a manner that’s not chaotic and ways should be devised to accommodate those whose livelihood depends on small-time businesses. I know it would be an ideal situation bearing in mind the way our society works. But there’s no harm in dreaming.
