Dam-affected residents reject eviction campaign

ISLAMABAD: Families affected by the Daducha Dam project have alleged that the district administration has intensified efforts to remove the remaining residents from the project area after a recent visit by the newly appointed assistant commissioner to the site.

According to the affected residents, the households still living in the area have been told to leave immediately, while electricity to the locality has already been cut off. They said they fear an operation could soon be launched against those who stayed behind to protect their livestock and recover belongings from homes that have already been demolished.

The families also claimed that the latest push is linked to preparations for an expected visit by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to the Daducha Dam site later this month. In a statement conveyed by their representatives, the residents said they had already been stripped of their land and livelihoods and were now also losing shelter.

"We have lost our land and our livelihoods, and now even the roofs over our heads are being taken away," their representatives said.

Allegations over unequal action

The affected families alleged that while local residents were being removed, a private housing society operating near the dam area had continued its activities without interruption. They said this had raised questions for them about whether official action was being applied evenly.

They further alleged that the government had taken over their farmland, grazing land and other main sources of income, but had not ensured what they described as dignified rehabilitation, alternative housing or adequate basic facilities. According to the families, many displaced residents had to construct houses on newly acquired land using their own resources, but roads, electricity and other essential public services were still missing there.

The residents also alleged that an influential private housing society was trying to take control of their remaining land that was not acquired for the dam project. They claimed they were being pressured through the alleged use of names of influential individuals and that access to their land had been restricted in an attempt to deprive them of the rest of their property.

Land dispute and appeal to authorities

The families further claimed that the housing society continues to occupy 82 kanals of their land unlawfully. They maintained that a decision by the then assistant commissioner in January 2026 had declared the disputed land to be the property of local residents, but that ruling had not yet been enforced.

The affected residents have appealed to the federal government, the Punjab government, the chief secretary and other relevant authorities not to carry out forced evictions until rehabilitation is completed. They have also demanded provision of basic civic amenities, payment of lawful compensation and restoration of land they say remains under illegal occupation so they can rebuild their lives with dignity.