TAXILA: The local administration launched a grand operation against encroachers at Taxila, where heavy machinery utilised to demolish structures that were creating traffic gridlocks and inconveniencing commuters.

The assistant commissioner Zaryab Sajid Kamboh supervised the operation, officials from tehsil municipal administration and the police removed encroachments from key roads and streets.

During the operation, cemented, paved encroachments and steel fixtures removed that were constructed in front of various shops and plazas. A heavy contingent of the police in anti-riot gear was also present.

The cart owners were also removed from the bus stands, roads along with GT road, and Taxila chowk. The officials also demolished several illegal extensions made by the shopkeepers as these encroachments had claimed precious lives by causing accidents.

“We had time and again warned the vendors to voluntarily clear the encroachments. However, when they refused to do so, we had to take action against them,” said assistant commissioner while talking to reporters at the site. He added that steps would be taken to ensure that encroachments did not appear at the site again.

He said any official of the TMA found involved in protecting the encroachers would face stern action. He added that the operation will continue in the coming days.

Speaking on this occasion, tehsil officer Rabia Basri told reporters that encroachment is an offence under Sec 132 and 134 of PLGA 2013.

She added that no person shall create any moveable or immoveable encroachment on an open space or land vested or managed, maintained or controlled by a local government, on, over, or under a street.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2025