ISLAMABAD: In the first phase of its operation against encroachments, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) moved closer to the city centre after a special team of its Enforcement Directorate took action in Melody Market in Sector G-6.

The team also removed fixed and movable encroachments from the verandas and footpaths which were causing inconvenience to the public in F-10 Markaz, Najam Market and Sector F-8. In total 10 trucks were filled with confiscated material.

Deputy Director General (DDG)Enforcement Asia Gul said the operation against encroachments and illegal constructions would continue.

“This is a recurrent issue and only with consistent action can this practice be curbed,” she said.

Meanwhile, an official of the CDA said the operation would be conducted in all markets, possibly before Eid to discourage the encroachers.

However, serious efforts to root out permanent encroachments will be initiated in the second phase.

The Enforcement Directorate also retrieved two kanals of CDA land, demolishing an illegally constructed boundary wall and two rooms in Jaba Teli Village in the outskirts of the federal capital.

Enforcement Directorate asked to continue operation without ‘fear or favour’

The CDA has started to take the issue of encroachments seriously and even its chairman had recently issued special directives to the Enforcement Directorate to continue the operation without ‘fear or favour’.

The main problem seen with the CDA has been lack of consistency in action as encroachers usually return to the same spot.

“We will try to ensure effective monitoring so that encroachments are not built again,” DDG Enforcement Asia Gul said.

The civic body also plans to discuss the issue with traders and shopkeepers who are often accused of encouraging encroachers.

“Shopkeepers take money for allowing pushcarts or setting up tables to sell goods in front of their shops,” Mohammad Iqbal, deputy director Enforcement said.

Traders retorted that the lower staff of the CDA was involved in setting up movable stalls on footpaths, which in turn encouraged shopkeepers to do the same.

“They need to get their house in order first,” said Ajmal Baloch, organising secretary Traders Action Committee, Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, October 1st , 2014