KARACHI, Nov 19: Hundreds of illegal factories and small industrial units are operating in residential areas of Saddar and Lyari Towns, creating noise and other pollutions.

A survey shows that more than 200 such units are operating in Lyari Town, while the number in the old town areas of Saddar Town is even greater.

Most of the factories, set up illegally in connivance with the municipal officials, produce plastic-made goods, soap and other chemical items. There are also cotton and wool-ginning and steel factories, which have been constructed in the midst of residential areas.

The mushroom growth of factories and industrial units in the residential areas, particularly in the old city, has converted the whole area into a commercial jungle and the difference between a commercial and residential area has almost been blurred.

These commercial and industrial units do not pay any taxes to the government. Adding to the woes of the people are the warehousing facilities available in every street, creating a lot of problems for the residents.

Kharadar, Mithadar, Chandbibi Road, Nanakwara, Lea Market and Haat Chowk have become the hub of transport activity due to presence of the warehousing facilities despite a recent anti- encroachment drive.

Most of the warehousing units had been granted temporary leases in the ‘40s and the ‘50 by the then deputy collector and categorized as CDC plots. Despite the fact that the lease period of many units has expired, they continue to operate due to their owners’ influence and high connections.

The residents have urged the government to immediately shift the warehousing facilities from the old city to save environment from further degradation.

They said that the warehousing in the old city areas had deteriorated living conditions in the locality and the entire area was now occupied by the transport mafia.

“The situation has become intolerable and a matter of concern as transporters have occupied roads and streets illegally,” a community leader remarked.

The trucking business and warehousing facility have become a permanent source of public nuisance.

Despite repeated protests by the people for their shifting, the administration seems unwilling to move against the powerful mafia.