Khanpur dam site sealed amid conflict

Clashes stem from dispute over illegal jetty stands

HARIPUR:

Khanpur Dam has been sealed indefinitely by the local tehsil administration following days of unrest and clashes over illegal jetty installations.

Officials say the situation escalated due to repeated attempts to set up unauthorised jetty stands at the dam, sparking violent confrontations among various groups.

Khanpur assistant commissioner announced the suspension of all tourism activities at the dam and directed tourists to vacate the area. Sources confirmed that several individuals sustained injuries during the clashes, which erupted after a recent attempt by TMA Khanpur to install a jetty stand at night.

WAPDA Khanpur Project officials reportedly intervened, thwarting the unauthorised setup on Saturday.

The dam has become a hotspot for tension as rival groups vie for control over jetty placements. Locals allege one faction enjoys backing from the district administration, while an established group has the support of the community.

The police are reportedly struggling to contain the situation, with sources noting growing confusion among officials.

Adding to the complications, TMA Khanpur recently issued a unilateral notification establishing a "boat association" of ten members, a move rejected by existing boat owners who refuse to comply with district administration directives.

The unrest threatens the livelihoods of thousands dependent on Khanpur Dam's tourism.

With the dam closed to tourists, local businesses and hundreds of families risk severe economic hardship.

Residents and stakeholders are urging the provincial government to step in and resolve the conflict, which continues to disrupt tourism in the area.

Meanwhile, Khanpur TMA said they had no role in the recent sealing of Khanpur Dam, which they stated was handled within legal limits and focused on public interest.

According to sources, officials said they will remove any jetties lacking a legal No Objection Certificate (NOC), especially those set up after a ban imposed in May 2023 and emphasised that only those with valid NOCs will be permitted to operate.

Despite this clarification, residents have accused TMA Khanpur and the assistant commissioner's office of favoritism and political interference, which they claim has negatively impacted tourism at Khanpur Dam. According to residents, tourism had been thriving until alleged pressure from politically influential figures led the TMA to prioritise specific individuals for jetty permits. Longtime jetty operators, who have served the area for over 15 years, reportedly saw their registered jetty numbers changed, leading to a court case.

Tour operators assert that they have consistently paid taxes despite limited facilities from the TMA, with no prior disruptions.