HYDERABAD, Aug 22: A committee has been formed to examine and evaluate losses by sand lifting from the bed of River Indus downstream Kotri Barrage and whether to ban it.

The committee had been constituted by District Nazim Kanwar Naveed Jamil and will be headed by the District Coordination Officer Hyderabad Aftab Ahmed Khatri with the EDO Law Hyderabad, one representative each from Irrigation Department, the Hyderabad Development Authority, the Taluka Municipal Administrations of Qasimabad and Latifabad. The decision was taken during a meeting held in Nazim’s office.

Nazim conceded sand was a necessary part of development activity in private and public sector but its unorganised or illegal lifting, especially from sensitive locations could pose threats of water pressure on one bank of the river and create traffic and health hazards during transportation.

He called upon the committee to examine alternate source of sand lifting along with paying dues to concerned parties.

He stressed on making all recommendation by keeping in view interest of citizens in the shortest possible time.

The District Coordination Officer Aftab Ahmed Khatri, the DPO Imran Shoukat, Chairman Finance and Planning Committee, Q. Hakim, Managing Director WASA, Abdul Malik Khatri, the TMOs of Qasimabad and Latifabad, and other officers attended the meeting.

TRAFFIC SYSTEM: District Nazim Hyderabad Kanwar Naveed Jamil held a meeting to streamline the traffic system in city.

Zila Nazim said the district government had decided to announce an incentive package for traffic police which will encourage them to ensure smooth traffic flow in urban talukas.

The Nazim directed the DPO Hyderabad to categorise areas and concentrate on traffic issues, especially at the most busy areas of the city. He directed implementation of one-way traffic system and avoid more than one-line parking for smooth flow.

He said roads had been constructed, widened, and reconditioned which should not be a reason for traffic jams. He expected change in traffic flow, beautification of roads, implementation of traffic rules, and removal of encroachments, especially from roads and drainage lines.

Nazim asked the District Coordination Officer Hyderabad to ensure functional electrification of Thandi Sarak which had been approved by the district government.

The District Coordination Officer Aftab Ahmed Khatri, the DPO Imran Shoukat, the TMOs and other officers from the HDA attended the meeting.

HESCO CAMPAIGN: Several consumers have been issued arrest warrants and cases registered against others by the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) with the help of special magistrates during an operation launched against power thieves and defaulters.

Special magistrates of Hesco Operation Circle Nawabshah and officials issued arrest warrants against 12 consumers of 1, 11, and 111 sub-division and registered cases against 26 alleged thieves on Tuesday, said the spokesman.

Special magistrate issued arrest warrants against 15 and imposed fine on 20 consumers with recovery of outstanding dues on spot.

Electricity theft cases were registered against 90 consumers in Hesco Operation Circle-I and II Hyderabad.

The spokesman said lists of defaulters had been furnished to special magistrates for ensured recovery of outstanding dues.

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