Court vacates stay on Daducha Dam evictions

The Rawalpindi Division Bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday dismissed an appeal seeking a stay order against the eviction of residents, commercial property holders, and landowners affected by the Dadocha Dam project.

The court observed that the dam constitutes a mega, state-of-the-art public welfare initiative intended to address the region's chronic water shortage, adding that any further delay would substantially inflate project costs. It further noted that the scheme has already suffered from extensive postponements.

A single bench had earlier rejected a similar plea for a stay, a decision later challenged before the Division Bench. The appellate court, however, upheld the earlier ruling and dismissed the appeal.

Meanwhile, in a joint operation, the district administration, the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (PERA), and the police partially demolished 10 properties within the Dadocha Dam area. Affidavits were reportedly obtained under coercion from all affected parties, requiring them to vacate their homes, shops, animal enclosures, agricultural plots, and forest land by November 27. Authorities have stated that compensation will be offered only to those who vacate voluntarily and promptly submit affidavits, while properties belonging to those who refuse compliance will face immediate demolition.

Heavy machinery and bulldozers, escorted by police contingents, were deployed during the operation.