Chahan Dam breach sparks fresh fears

RAWALPINDI:

The embankment of Chahan Dam, which was breached during last week's torrential rains, remains unrepaired, raising serious concerns among residents of nearby communities as a new spell of monsoon rains begins this week.

The most severely affected area is the densely populated and historic village of Rajar, located closest to the dam.

Four days ago, intense rainfall led to the breach, triggering flash floods that damaged six homes — collapsing roofs and boundary walls — and swept away 26 livestock.

Floodwaters also destroyed household belongings in Rajar and inflicted significant damage on homes in three adjacent villages.

In response, the villagers have formed a local relief body, the Anjuman Ittehad Welfare Rajar, to advocate for reconstruction assistance and financial support for displaced farmers.

The group's president, Mehmood Hussain, told The Express Tribune that the two-day downpour not only caused the dam to breach but also emptied the reservoir completely.

He added that standing crops across a 50-kilometre stretch were obliterated, alongside the destruction of homes and loss of livelihoods. Hussain called on the CM to take urgent notice of the situation, dispatch senior officials to inspect the damage firsthand, and announce a comprehensive relief package.