Islamabad: In blatant violation of court orders, illegal constructions and encroachment of water bodies is going on full swing in main town here.  
 The locals said one of important irrigation canals, Laizbal- Ladi passing through Laizabal, SK Colony, Sadiqabad, Qazibagh, Bakshiabad and Iqbal Market has totally vanished under illegal structures in past few years.
 They said that even outlets of Nagbal springs at Kralyar and Dangerpora have been encroached due to coming up of commercial establishments.
 Though the Irrigation and Flood Control Division Islamabad (Anantnag) vide notification number DIPK: 1132 dated 9-05-2009 had given 15 days to the violators to demolish the illegal structures including on streams but despite passing of over two years nothing has happened on ground.
 The ultimatum to the violators was given on the orders of High Court in 2006. The Court had expressed concern over coming up illegal structures on river Jhelum banks near Khanabal, Harnag, Aripath,  Donipawa, Mehandi Kadal, Achajipora, Thakbonie, Watal Khan, Nathpora, Zew, Batpora, Breingi Nallah at Pushwara Bringie; GamaeLadi in Muniward, Sandhran at Harnag and Lidder Nallah near Anzwal respectively.
 Locals mince no words to accuse the authorities of lackadaisical approach. “The concerned officials have allowed raising of illegal structures even near water bodies. We demand action against the accused officials who allowed vandalisation of the town,” said Shafeeq Ahmad, a local.
 Accumulation of tons of silt and garbage has shrunk most of these canals reducing them to mere cesspools. “The Irrigation and Flood Control Department never bothered to clean up these canals and streams. Ironically, the municipal authorities also dump waste in these streams particularly in Aripath at Ashajipora and Mehndikadal. This paves way for raising illegal structures,” the locals alleged.
 The locals made a fervent appeal to Deputy Commissioner Islamabad to look into the matter and initiate drive against encroachment of water bodies and illegal construction.

Reports compiled by Khalid Gul

Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST