Sindh govt initiates extensive anti-encroachment operation in Lyari riverbed

The Sindh government has launched a comprehensive operation to clear illegal encroachments from the 38-kilometre-long Lyari Riverbed.

Led by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, the operation began on May 16 and has successfully cleared 80 percent of the targeted encroachments, despite significant resistance.

Over three days, the Assistant Commissioner’s office in SITE, District Keamari, collaborated with Sindh Police and Rangers to execute the anti-encroachment drive.

The initial phase focused on Pak Colony Old Golimar, targeting illegal parking facilities, sand-crushing plants, water plants, and makeshift housing. This phase resulted in the arrest of the head of the illegal parking mafia and cleared 75 percent of encroachments.

Although a mob of 300–400 people attempted to halt the operation, government officials negotiated and continued the drive.

Further clearance efforts near Pak Colony Bridge saw the removal of 15 houses, 2 warehouses, 9 animal barns, and 3 permanent houses. By the final phase, a remarkable 98 percent clearance rate was achieved.

Commissioner Naqvi thanked the Sindh Police, District Encroachment Force, KMC, and Rangers for their crucial roles.

However, the drive highlighted ongoing issues, particularly the resistance from residents displaced by the Lyari Expressway project who have yet to receive fair compensation. Field teams recommended improving the resettlement and compensation processes to prevent future resistance.

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