Karachi: Encroachments over Nullahs and drains in the megacity has become a serious issue and despite notices by the apex judiciary these illegal encroachments are yet to be fully removed.
There are several Nullahs in the city which discharge rain and sewerage water of the city into the sea. However, due to the malpractice of so-called China-cutting many of these Nullahs are fully or partially occupied.
To save the megacity from the danger of flash flood the government had started to remove illegal encroachments from the Gujjar Nullah and other drains but this work is snail-paced due to resistance of the illegal squatters. It is also said that political parties also do not like to disturb these illegal settlements as their residents are also voters of these political parties.
During heavy rains the densely populated Saddar goes inundated due to encroachments over its Nullahs. A major Nullah of this area is badly encroached upon in Urdu Bazaar, Burns Road and Sindh Secretariat area. In fact some buildings of the Sindh Secretariat are also constructed over this Nullah.
Another Nullah that runs along the MPA Hostel, Sindh Secretariat Old Blocks and Sindh Assembly Building is also encroached upon over some of its sections. However, as the government buildings are situated along this Nullah, removal of encroachments along it is also pending.
The government should take action and ensure that all Nullahs and drains are free from encroachments in the larger interest of the city and the citizens. In this regard the master plan of the city should be consulted and it is ensured that there is no construction over the drains or near the banks of these drains.