KARACHI: The ongoing anti-encroachment operation in Saddar entered in its crucial phase on Monday as authorities demolished more than 1,100 shops in four markets in the surroundings of iconic Empress Market in an attempt to restore British-era structure to its original shape.
In this connection, the entire structure of the historic building was washed while the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had expedited removal of debris from the site.
Surrounding areas of Empress Market had also been cleared from illegal encroachments, KMC officials said.
A year ago, the World Bank had granted a$10 million for refurbishment of Empress Market, rehabilitation of five roads, besides renovation and facelift of historical buildings of Victorian-era, KMC officials maintained.
British High Commissioner and European Union had already showed their interest for restoration of the buildings to their original shape, KMC officials remarked.
Prime Minister Imran Khan had also directed Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar to speed up efforts for restoration of buildings.
The joint operation by Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and other civic bodies backed by law enforcers was launched on the directives of the Supreme Court.
“We have demolished 1,043 shops,” said KMC’s Anti-encroachment Director Bashir Ahmed Siddiqi. He said Empress Market would be restored to its original shape within next couple of months.
Talking to Daily Times, Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar said that parks would be established in surrounding areas of Empress Market.
The mayor said that a committee had been established to this effect and an alternative place would be provided to shopkeepers in a transparent manner.
Moreover, the KMC Engineering Department had been directed not to change original designs of buildings and parks keeping in view their historical importance.
However, it will be a Herculean task for KMC to turn complete the plan.
On the other side, Sindh government was also busy building roads, a food street and alternative roads in the area.
Municipal Commissioner Dr Saifur Rehman said that Zaibun Nisa Street, Shahrah-e-Iraq, Mir Karamullah Talpur Road, New Preedy Street, Zainab Market, Abdullah Haroon Road, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Road, Akbar Road, Mobile Market and others roads and streets would be taken into account to change them into a classy posture.
Published in Daily Times, November 13th 2018.