Dam affected families oppose eviction drive

Families affected by the Daducha Dam project have alleged the district administration has stepped up efforts to clear the remaining residents from the project area following a recent visit by the newly appointed Assistant Commissioner to the dam site.

According to the affected families, the remaining households have been directed to vacate the area immediately, while electricity supply to the locality has been disconnected.

They fear that an operation may soon be launched against those who have remained behind to safeguard their livestock and salvage belongings from their demolished homes.

The residents further claimed that preparations are under way for Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's expected visit to the Daducha Dam site later this month and that the latest eviction drive forms part of those arrangements.

"We have lost our land and our livelihoods, and now even the roofs over our heads are being taken away," representatives of the affected families said. They alleged that while local residents were being displaced, a large private housing society operating within the dam's vicinity had continued its activities uninterrupted, raising questions about the uniform application of official action.

The families further alleged that the government had acquired their agricultural land, grazing areas and principal means of livelihood but had failed to provide dignified rehabilitation, alternative housing or adequate basic facilities.

They said many displaced families had been compelled to build homes on newly acquired land through their own resources, where roads, electricity and other essential public services remain unavailable.

They further alleged that an influential private housing society was attempting to take possession of their remaining land that had not been acquired for the dam project.

According to the residents, they are being subjected to intimidation through the alleged use of the names of influential individuals, while access to their land has been restricted in an effort to deprive them of their remaining property.

The affected families also claimed that the housing society continues to occupy 82 kanals of their land unlawfully. They maintained that although the then AC had ruled in January 2026 that the disputed land belonged to the local residents, the decision has yet to be implemented.

The families have appealed to the federal government, the Punjab government, the Chief Secretary and other relevant authorities to refrain from carrying out forced evictions until their rehabilitation has been completed.

They have also demanded the provision of basic civic amenities, payment of lawful compensation and restoration of land allegedly under illegal occupation, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity.