KARACHI: Local authorities and civil agencies have given a free hand and allowed the illegal construction of marriage halls and banquets on occupied lands and residential plots across the city.
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SCBA) and Karachi Development Authority (KDA) have openly flouted the orders of the Supreme Court in failing to take action against the building and construction mafia.
The SBCA continues to give a free hand to those illegally occupying residential plots and constructing wedding halls and are allegedly receiving underhand payments from these elements.
Well-informed sources told MM News that the SCBA has allowed construction on a steep hill in Gulistan-e-Johar Block 1 which is illegal and a violation building by-laws. The construction on the plot will have a severe environmental impact on the area.
Meanwhile, the SBCA demolished an illegal marriage hall constructed on the residential plot no. C98/3 in Block-1 after a portion on it collapsed due to construction on a steep hill. The Hill Marquee wedding hall and banquet has now been razed by the authorities.
Later, the notices giving permission for the construction of these illegal wedding halls was revoked. The anti-bribery department filed a lawsuit last year against the illegal construction of the plots which is still under process. However, the plot’s owner sold the plot and managed to change the name of the marriage hall which will be inaugurated soon.
Local residents have expressed concerns that the construction of the illegal banquet on the hill can cause loss of lives and incur financial losses in case it collapses or any other untoward incident takes place.
The SBCA is actively involved in the demolition of these structures these days but the illegal construction continues in earnest which shows the authorities are complacent in these activities wile no action has been taken against them
Various political, social and religious parties and public figures have demanded the legal proceedings from the Supreme Court, Chief Minister Sindh and Governor Sindh against these organisations.
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