DCO Mandi Bahauddin imposes section 144 to stop overcharging

Mandi Bahauddin(Sher Gondal) : Keeping in view complaints of passengers DCO Muzaffar Sial has imposed section 144 to facilitate public and stop overcharging commuters by crew of transporters.

Management was asked to display official fare lists on vantage points at bus stops. Drivers were also directed to affix official fares list in their respective passengers’ vehicles. It may be mentioned that after reduction in petrol items price a drive was launched to force drivers and transporter to comply with official rate list but despite this transporters continued charging commuters on old rates and thus floated directions of local authorities in the air. As a last resort the DCO imposed section 144 of Criminal procedure to empower checking teams of officials to arrest the defaulters for strict legal proceedings.

Meanwhile rain continues lashing Mandi Bahauddin and its surrounding areas with intervals for the last three days. Low lying areas have been turned into ponds and streets having no proper drainage system are witnessed with water up to 1 foot deep. Houses with mud plastered ceilings are leaking and in some cases dwellers have shifted their domestic luggage to their neighbors’ houses.

District Administration has put all government departments on high alert to deal with emergent situation if it arises during heavy rains. Rescue Team has been directed to remain on toe to help families whose houses fall or develop leakage.

Similarly Irrigation department has been directed to keep constant watch over canals and rivers embankments and if they are somewhere not strong enough to take pressure of flowing water, they should be strengthened. So far no loss of life or property has been reported due to rain. Rain still continues – some time moderate and sometime drizzling.