Sir,

I have complained several times to the city government regarding illegal construction and encroachments that continue unabated, making the lives of legal plot owners miserable. It's worth mentioning that amenity plots kept for various purposes such as markets, schools and parks have been totally encroached upon in many areas and it's because of the inefficiency of the Katchi Abadis Authority and the KBCA that they have been leased out at unimaginable rates.For example, the present market value of a 200sq yard plot in Gulberg is Rs4-5 million, yet countless acres of precious land have been leased out at throwaway prices to the land mafia, thanks to elements within these two departments. These land-grabbers have also encroached upon the rights of the legal plot owners. They have constructed multi-storeyed buildings along the boundary walls of people's residences.

It is not yet established what plot size these land-grabbers and encroachers consider a katchi abadi. Is it plots measuring 80, 100, or 200sq yards? Or is there no limit? The land-grabbers have constructed multi-storeyed buildings without any hindrances from the KBCA, whereas the KBCA is very efficient in demolishing structures built on legal plots.

A legal plot owner has to pass through various formalities and hindrances created by the KBCA, CDGK, Water Board, KESC, SSGC and the police, and has to spend thousands to clear the hindrances. But those from the so-called katchi abadis are allowed to do whatever they like and to construct whatever they want, and to encroach upon limitless areas. These people have defaced Karachi.

These illegally built multi-storeyed buildings are often rented out to suspicious characters, which adds to the crime rate and puts the property and life of citizens at risk. Secondly, the KESC is unable to check the irregularities being carried out by way of the 'kunda' system, as the violators of the law are very powerful and rough up anyone who tries to get rid of these illegal connections. The police is also powerless as it is paid to look the other way.

Karachi has been made a victim of these encroachments owing to political interests. Once a city that was known for its educated citizenry is now known for its encroachments. Why are ministers so eager to regularise encroachments and make the lives of legal owners a living hell?

Upon registering a number of complaints I had received two letters from the city nazim's office. One was addressed to the head of the KBCA ordering immediate action. This was a year ago but no one has paid attention to the nazim's orders. I kept writing to the nazim and was informed that the relevant EDO has been directed to look into my complaint. Recently I got a copy of a letter from the office of the executive district officer (revenue) dated 15/6/2009, stating that a report has been received at his office from the DDO (AEC/S) KDA wing CDGK under a letter dated 1/6/2009. However, no action has been taken yet in this regard.

It's worth mentioning that ST-4B, ST-4 and ST-5 are amenity plots which have been encroached upon and the worthy Katchi Abadi Authority has leased out the school plot and nullah too. The residents, especially from plots No601-A to 608-A, are the worst affected.

I have also informed the CM's Complaint Cell, but my complaints remain unheard.

SYED AIRAJ AHMED
Gulberg Block 12 FB Area

Sir,

We, the residents of Shakeel Centre, 419/B, C.P. Berar Society, Amir Khusrau Road, would like to inform the authorities concerned that our building is purely a residential structure having seven apartments.

Next to our building there is a hospital. The owner of the said medical centre has purchased a ground floor apartment from its owner and is opening an annexe of the hospital by having a consulting clinic in our purely residential building.

This will gravely harm the living standards in the building and create a nuisance in the peaceful environment.

The higher authorities are kindly requested to intervene as this may also cause a law and order situation. This is in total violation of all present rules and regulations.

(RETIRED) MAJOR KAZI ABDUL QAYYUM AND RESIDENTS
Amir Khusrau Road

Karachi skyline

Sir,

This is apropos to the letter of Mr Aftab Mohammad Khan on the above subject, which appeared in Dawn's Metropolitan section on Sept 21, 2009. I appreciate and support the serious concern of the writer on this vital issue which requires an inter-disciplinary and visionary approach to deal with.

Mr Khan, as a very senior town planner/engineer, has rightly raised very pertinent questions and also prescribed appropriate guidelines to approach and undertake such an urban design exercise under the ambit of the Karachi Strategic Development Plan-2020.

It is unfortunate that neither the Pakistan Council of Architects & Town Planners (PCATP) nor the master plan group of offices of the CDGK (the custodians of KSDP-2020) seem to be alive to performing their basic responsibilities in this regard.

Ironically, there exists extreme apathy and indifference among the professional town planners, architects and engineers towards such an important issue, which may destroy the living environment of Karachi for generations to come if not handled properly, as suggested by Mr Khan.

ISLAMUDDIN SIDDIQUI
Gulshan-i-Maymar

city@dawn.com