Demolition of Pet Market Near Lahore’s Data Darbar in Major Anti-Encroachment Initiative
In a significant anti-encroachment initiative, the pet market near Data Darbar at Bhatti Chowk in Lahore was demolished on Thursday morning. This operation utilized heavy machinery and was executed hastily, leaving many shopkeepers without any prior warning.
Demolition Details
The pet market had been operational for over three decades, hosting more than 150 shops that sold various animals and their accessories. Shopkeepers claimed they were given no time to evacuate their goods or animals before the demolition began at dawn. Shopkeeper Zaheer Ahmad, who had been part of the market for 30 to 35 years, expressed his dismay at the lack of communication, stating their pleas for additional time went unheard.
Allegations and Responses
- Many shopkeepers alleged that some animals died during the demolition, buried beneath the rubble.
- Officials from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) refuted these claims, asserting that notices had been issued prior to the operation.
- They further clarified that the reports regarding dead animals were inaccurate, attributing the findings to stray cats unrelated to the demolition.
According to a spokesperson from the LDA, personnel from various government departments were present to assist shopkeepers in salvaging their belongings before the market’s destruction. Local officials indicated that around 16 kanals (approximately two acres) of government land had been cleared, which is part of a larger redevelopment project for Data Darbar.
Future Plans and Concerns
The Metropolitan Corporation controls the land, and plans are underway to establish new commercial centers in the area. Despite these future developments, displaced shopkeepers have voiced concerns. They claimed that they received no official updates regarding alternative shop locations or compensation for their losses. The lack of communication has left many feeling jobless and abandoned after years of dedicated service in the market.
