NAROWAL: An operation was launched against illegal constructions and encroachments in Narowal on Tuesday, during which more than 10 dozen illegal constructions were demolished. Traffic barriers were removed for visitors coming to Kartarpur.

The operation is being conducted on Circular Road; Faiz Ahmed Faiz Park to Jasar Bypass; Zafarwal Bypass to Jasar Bypass; Runsival Railway Crossing to Jasar Bypass; Power Station Bypass to Zafarwal Bypass; on New Lahore Road and NarowalMuridke Road.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Syed Hasan Raza told Dawn that the assistant commissioners (ACs) of Narowal, Zafarwal and Shakargarh were leading the operations.

He said that, in addition to the administration department, municipal committee, district council employees, enforcement and encroachment officers, the police department is also involved inthe operation.

He said that due to illegal constructions, the sewage system was blocked and during the rainy season, urban areas used to get submerged in water due to a lack of drainage. He said that all illegal constructions are being demolished with the help of heavy machinery and that the chocked sewage drains will be restored.

Legal action has been initiated against more than 10 dozen people who made illegal constructions. The DC said the violators were given several notices. He said that shopkeepers had illegally placed their signboards on the sides of the roads and between the roads.

During the operation, all illegal signboards were also removed.

He said that Sikh pilgrims and visitors to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur travel on Narowal-Muridke Road and New Lahore Road. Illegal occupantshadencroachedupon and constructed on government roads, creating obstacles for national and international visitors. He also said these encroachments posed a secu-rity risk to visitors. Strict warnings have been issued to shopkeepers and businessmen, cautioning them that legal action will be taken against encroachers.

The DC said that operations are being conducted in Shakargarh, where 17 kilometres of road has been cleared.In Zafarwal, four kilometres of road has been completely cleared. ACs will send daily reports to the DC.

DC Raza said that the ongoing operation in the Narowal district is being carried out without discrimination. He urged shopkeepers to cooperate with the administration andvoluntarily remove illegal constructions and encroachments.

The purpose of the operation, he said, is to restore traffic flow for citizens. With the end of encroachments, roads and markets will be opened, and citizens, especially women, will have improved transportation facilities.