Shahzad Naveed
MINGORA: The district administration of Swat has started a crackdown against illegal encroachments in Mingora Bazaar of Swat district.
This operation is being overseen by Imran Ali Shah, the Additional Assistant Commissioner-I Babozai and Traffic Magistrate, assisted by DSP Traffic, TMA officials and other concerned departments.
The operation commenced following Maghrib prayers and concentrated on locations like Main Bazaar, Nishat Chowk and the stretch from Madian Road, to Green Chowk. The objective is to clear unlawful encroachments obstructing public walkways and roads.
During the process, the group surveyed the locations and noted that many stores had put out their goods for sale outside their shops making it difficult for people walking on the sidewalks to pass through and even harder for them to walk.
Furthermore, merchants were advised against parking their cars along the streets. They were requested to use the parking zones to assist in reducing traffic jams in the crowded parts of Mingora.
The district administration has disclosed that the operation will go on to decrease traffic congestion in the city and offer the public some actual relief. Those breaking the rules will be punished severely.
Massive anti-encroachment operation underway in Kalam
On November 10, a large-scale campaign against illegal construction and encroachment in the picturesque tourist spot of Kalam, Tehsil. Bahrain. Swat is in progress. The operation is going to remove the structures illegally erected along the Swat River, the Upper Swat Development Authority (USDA) spokesperson said to be the point of contact.
“This campaign is carried out following the special instructions of Director General Shozab Abbas and Deputy Commissioner Swat Saleem Jan Marwat,” he added. Besides, the heavy machinery of USDA that of other departments, is ripping down the street the area where the river banks are illegally constructed.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Swat Mohibullah Khan Yousafzai is attending the operation with his team on the ground. Assistant Commissioner Bahrain Tanzil ur Rehman, Additional Assistant Commissioner Bahrain / Deputy Director USDA Ahmad Sher, Additional Assistant Commissioner and Syed Imran Ali Shah Revenue Department, Irrigation Department and Tehsil Municipal Administration TMA officials are also present and actively participating in the operation.
During the anti-encroachment drive, the encroachers resisted the blockade. However, the district administration said that they would enforce the law without any bias, transparency and rigor.
The USDA spokesperson said that the public should stay away from illegal encroachments and that the police look after the protection of the river would be an opportunity for all to safeguard nature and maintain the ecological balance of the Swat River.
He was urging the public that the district administration will be like a rock, against any pressure or influence and the operation will be going on as usual, to not only protect the area’s scenic charm but also the environment and serve the public interest.
