Sanghar
The land mafia in Sanghar has once again become active, triggering widespread concern among citizens after an alarming case of illegal construction emerged at Dilbar Chowk, Gujri Van Stop. The incident has raised serious questions about the role of the local administration and the growing influence of powerful groups allegedly involved in land grabbing across the city.
According to details, construction work was being carried out rapidly on Sanghar’s main drainage channel, a crucial urban structure responsible for carrying rainwater away from residential and commercial areas. The construction of a shop directly on top of this main drain posed a significant threat, potentially blocking water flow during the monsoon season and increasing the risk of urban flooding.
Local residents reported that the construction was taking place without any approval, oversight or resistance from the municipal authorities. They alleged that the individuals behind this illegal structure were backed by a “well-connected and influential group,” which allowed the work to proceed unchecked. This perceived support enabled the construction team to continue work openly—despite it being a clear violation of municipal and environmental regulations.
Residents expressed deep frustration, stating that illegal encroachments on drains have historically contributed to severe urban flooding, waterlogging, and sanitation hazards in Sanghar. The current situation, they fear, could result in massive disruption to the drainage system, particularly during heavy rainfall. The mere possibility of blocked waterways has created anxiety throughout the community.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the influential individual involved intends to rent out the illegally constructed shop after its completion, turning public land into private commercial property. This exploitation of civic infrastructure for personal financial gain has been strongly condemned by locals.
Citizens further claim that the administration itself is complicit, accusing municipal officials of negligence, collusion, and corruption. They argue that no illegal structure can be built so openly unless certain officials grant silent approval or deliberately ignore the violation. Because of this perceived administrative support, residents have grown increasingly distrustful of the local authorities.
The public anger intensified when a video of the illegal construction went viral on social media. The footage, widely shared on Facebook and WhatsApp groups, sparked a heated debate across the city. Many citizens voiced their frustration over the deteriorating state of municipal governance and demanded immediate intervention.
The viral video also attracted the attention of civil society members and local activists, who highlighted the long-standing issue of encroachments on public property. They pointed out that Sanghar’s drainage system is already fragile, and blocking the main drain could lead to disastrous consequences for thousands of residents during the rainy season. Some activists called for a citywide anti-encroachment drive to restore public land and improve urban safety.
Following the outcry, the Municipal Committee Sanghar finally responded. Their officials swiftly reached the site and halted the ongoing construction work, removing the machinery and directing laborers to stop further activity. The intervention temporarily relieved residents, but many questioned why authorities acted only after the video went viral, rather than preventing the encroachment in the first place.
Local residents say the incident is not an isolated case. They claim that over the past few years, illegal structures have been built on streets, footpaths, drains, and even government-owned plots. Each time, the administration intervenes only after public pressure, and often only partially. Many illegal constructions continue to remain in place, benefiting encroachers while causing long-term urban planning challenges.
Urban planners warn that Sanghar’s growing population and rapid expansion require a more sustainable city management strategy. Blocking or narrowing drainage channels, they note, is a serious violation that can lead to dangerous water accumulation, infrastructure damage, and health issues arising from stagnant water. These consequences become especially severe during monsoon seasons, when drainage systems must operate at full capacity.
The lack of proactive governance, coupled with the influence of powerful land-grabbing networks, continues to pose a major threat to Sanghar’s civic infrastructure. Experts argue that unless strict enforcement policies are implemented—and unless municipal officers are held accountable—such incidents will continue to occur, increasing pressure on an already vulnerable city.
For now, the illegal construction at Dilbar Chowk has been stopped, but residents insist that complete removal of the structure and legal action against those involved must follow. They demand transparency, accountability, and regular monitoring of all sensitive urban sites to prevent similar incidents in the future.
