The Karachi administration has issued new rules and guidelines for roadside hotels and chai dhabas to stop them from blocking sidewalks, causing encroachments, and creating traffic jams across the city, the private media channel reported on Friday.
The Commissioner of Karachi approved the new guidelines for all tea stalls and hostels operating in the city.
The administration issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) after a crackdown against illegally occupying public spaces on October 27.
During the operation on October 27, the administration sealed multiple hotels and chai dhabas that were occupying illegal space. After the issuance of new SOPs, Additional Commissioner Ghulam Mehdi Shah instructed authorities to de-seal the shops, hotels, and chai dhabas. Several owners reaffirm and submitted affidavits for not violating the rules again.
According to the new guidelines, all roadside hotels, shops, and chai dhabas will not occupy space more than 100 feet.
However, the Commissioner Karachi will issue the final NOC. The administration also confirmed that the issuance of new guidelines is for to eliminate the obstacles along the footpath to make the flow of traffic smooth in the entire city.
On the other hand, hotel owners also reassure that they will not violate rules in the future. Commissioner Karachi also asked relative authorities to de-seal the hotels and chai dhabas after submission of affidavits by the hotel owners.
He also warned hotel owners about the strict action in the event of any violation of the new rules.
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