THE provincial government had recently constructed a double road leading to Hijrat Colony, located between the railway track and mangrove forests, at Mai Kolachi bypass in Karachi. Eying the opportunity that was created by the availability of ample marshy land and mangrove forests alongside the newly constructed road, the land-grabbers immediately swung into action.

They have dumped debris and garbage loads at the clogged site with amazing alacrity and speed, and have now illegally constructed huge bus, truck and rickshaw parking stands alongside the mangrove forests in Hijrat Colony.

This illegal and massive parking lot has been causing serious issues to the commuters moving to and from Hijrat Colony. The traffic coming from Boat Basin now enters Hijrat Colony using the railway crossing at Mai Kolachi by moving in the opposite direction of the traffic for about 100 feet. This leads to severe traffic jams, especially in the evening rush hours.

Recently, some snatching incidents have also taken place owing to the traffic jam on the road. The otherwise easy-going thoroughfare that it was till a while ago, the road has become an agony as well as a security tight spot for everyday commuters.

In addition, the illegal dumping of solid waste is damaging the already scanty mangrove forests, leading to fast-paced deterioration of the local environment.

The relevant authorities should take immediate action to remove the illegal bus/truck parking stands in Hijrat Colony.

Further, in order to ensure smooth flow of traffic at Mai Kolachi bypass, the railway crossing should be closed using a barrier and creating a U-turn at an appropriate distance from the railway track. The matter needs to be addressed.

Raihan A.K. Lodhi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2024