KARACHI: A high-level meeting on Friday decided to take stringent measures against water theft, encroachments and illegal occupation of land in Karachi.

Presided over by Sindh Chief Secretary Dr Muham­mad Sohail Rajput, the meeting reviewed reports of encroac­­hments on the lands of the Malir Development Authori­ty (MDA), Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Lyari Development Authority (LDA) and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB).

Briefing on the occasion, relevant officials said the lands had been illegally occupied in different city areas and at different times. They informed that they had carried out various operations, but encroachments resurfaced.

Present on the occasion were Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Karachi Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Board of Revenue Senior Member Baqaullah Unar, Local Government Secretary Syed Najam Ahmed Shah, and officials from the MDA, KDA, KW&SB, police and Rangers.

Stringent action on the cards against llegal occupation of land

Addressing the meeting, the chief secretary said that a strong operation would be carried out against encroachments and water theft in the city. “An operation will be conducted against illegal hydrants in the East and West districts of the city,” he said. If illegal hydrants were reactivated, strict action would be taken against the SHOs (station house officers) concerned, he warned.

Dr Rajput emphasised that the police and Rangers alongside the district administration would actively participate in the operation. He also announced provision of necessary equipment to the Anti-Encroachment Force to tackle any resistance they might face.

Speaking at the meeting, Nasir Shah stated that the operation would be conducted without any discrimination. He highlighted that maximum amount of water was stolen in the East and West districts.

He said the budget for the Anti-Encroachment Force had been increased, and additional staff and powers would be granted to it.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2023