TAXILA: The local administration in Hassanabdal has removed encroachments from two different graveyards and sewerage lines during the ongoing ‘Clean and Green’ drive.

Speaking to press on Sunday, Assistant Commissioner Adnan Anjum Raja said land grabbers had built illegal structures on land belonging to two graveyards. Officials from the Tehsil Municipal Administration with assistance from police demolished the structures and retrieved the land, he added.

“There is a zero tolerance policy for those who are occupying public or state land illegally,” Mr Raja said.

Sewerage lines were under illegal occupation of shopkeepers and traders and cement structures were being used by local shopkeepers to display their merchandise, which was hindering the smooth flow of traffic, he added.

Responding to a question, he said main drainage lines are being cleared of solid waste.

He said clearing the drainage lines would minimise spread of diseases like malaria and dengue and also reduce danger to lives and property due to the overflow of water especially during monsoon.

“As many as 600 illegal structures were constructed on major drains that kept them blocked,” he said.

In many places, encroachers have left the drains so narrow that it makes it difficult for the sanitation staff to access them, he added.

Mr Raja also said an awareness campaign will be launched in collaboration with public and private schools to highlight the importance of health and hygiene for students.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2020