KHUDA BUX BROHI
THATTA
Deputy Commissioner Thatta, Sarmad Ali Bhaagat, has directed the district administration and law enforcement agencies to take strict action against alleged illegal encroachments within the protected limits of the Keenjhar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, while ordering that the existing status quo be maintained until completion of legal proceedings.
The directive was issued after the Keenjhar Maroora Welfare Development Organization submitted a complaint alleging illegal occupation of government land in Village Nabi Bux Palari, located within the sanctuary, which is recognized as a Ramsar Site of International Importance.
Acting on the complaint, the Deputy Commissioner instructed Assistant Commissioner Thatta, Shakir Fahim, along with the Mukhtiarkar (Revenue), Thatta, to conduct an on-site inspection and verify the allegations. Following the visit, the revenue team assessed the reported encroachments and submitted its findings to the district administration for further legal action.
Based on the verification report, the district administration issued notices under Section 22 of the Sindh Land Revenue Act to all occupants and individuals allegedly involved in the illegal purchase of government land within the protected area. The recipients have been directed to appear before the concerned Mukhtiarkar with all relevant ownership and land documents for verification.
The district administration reiterated that illegal construction, land excavation, tree cutting, occupation, or transfer of government land within the Keenjhar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is strictly prohibited under the relevant wildlife and environmental protection laws.
Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Ali Bhaagat further instructed field officials to ensure that no new encroachments or unauthorized structures are established within the sanctuary limits. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found violating environmental and land protection laws.
Reaffirming the district administration’s commitment to environmental conservation, the Deputy Commissioner said every effort would be made to safeguard the ecological integrity of Keenjhar Lake—one of Pakistan’s most important freshwater wetlands and an internationally recognized Ramsar site—while ensuring that all legal proceedings are conducted in accordance with the law.
