KARACHI: Karachi administration decided to evacuate 40 extremely dangerous buildings and remove billboards amid monsoon spell in city.

Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi presided over meeting to review arrangements for evacuation of dangerous and dilapidated buildings in city. Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) officials briefed meeting that most of dilapidated and dangerous buildings are situated in District South. They said that there are 450 dangerous buildings in district. SBCA officials said that notices have been served for evacuation of all dangerous buildings. Meeting presented list of extremely dangerous and dilapidated buildings, stating that 40 buildings are in extremely dangerous conditions and needed to get evacuated on priority basis. It was decided in meeting that Deputy Commissioner South Altaf Sario would hold meeting with K-Electric and Sui Southern Gas Company to get disconnected utility connections of those 40 buildings. Meanwhile, Sindh Government ordered removal of dangerous billboards in Karachi. After approval of Chief Secretary of Sindh, letter has been sent to Divisional Commissioner and Secretary of Local Government regarding actions to be taken.

“Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted heavy monsoon in province, and letter states that these billboards can become danger to human life due to strong winds and rain,” letter read. Sindh government directed that these billboards should be removed immediately, citing order of Supreme Court.