KARACHI, Jan 5: Land grabbers have occupied most of the amenity plots in Gulistan-i-Jauhar, depriving the area people of sports and recreational facilities. Almost all the amenity plots in the Block 12 of Gulistan-i-Jauhar, earmarked for parks in the master plan of the defunct Karachi Development Authority (KDA) have either been occupied by land grabbers or lying undeveloped, pointing towards the indifferent attitude of the authorities concerned.

In the area, one such plot is ST-6, basically set aside as a playground, but has been converted into a junkyard by the PTCL and a part of it has been transformed into a nursery.

The entire area is littered with cable reels, knocked down vehicles and scrap submerged in sewerage water emanating an overpowering stench and serving as a mosquitoes breeding ground.

A portion of the plot, occupied as a nursery, has reportedly been provided with an illegal connection from the water main, and thus causing water shortage for area residents.

It would be pertinent to mention here that the Cantonment Board Faisal had asked the concerned PTCL divisional engineer to vacate the plot immediately otherwise the board would have to get it vacated at the risk and cost of the PTCL.

According to two letters issued by the board’s CEO to the DCO master planning of the city government and DE of the PTCL customer service centre, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, the status of the aforesaid amenity plots cannot be changed and the allotment of ST-6 to PTCL would be absolutely illegal and without lawful authority.

Similarly, Plot ST-8 has been occupied by a mosque and ST-10/A has also been encroached upon by a group of people in the name of mosque, without any legal authority.

During a visit to the site, it was observed that scrap had been dumped on the plot ST-10-A.

According to officials concerned, these plots had been reserved for parks and playgrounds and had not been re-allotted to any government department or group for any other purpose.

A source in the office, however, disclosed that the PTCL officials were trying to get the plot ST-6, but its position had so far not been changed in the official records.

The area residents expressing concern over the situation have termed it sheer violation of the rules and exploitation of the rights of the people and appealed to the chief justice of the Sindh High Court, governor, city nazim and cantonment board to take suo motu action in this regard.

According to residents, water supply to their areas was irregular and insufficient and roads were in bad shape.

The residents added that there was no arrangement for garbage lifting from the dumps thus adding to the miseries of the people.