Families affected by the Daducha Dam project have alleged that the district administration has intensified efforts to clear the remaining residents from the project area, claiming they are being asked to vacate their homes without complete rehabilitation or the provision of basic facilities.
According to the Daducha Dam affectees, the latest developments followed a recent visit by the newly appointed Assistant Commissioner to the project site. They claimed that the remaining households had been instructed to leave the area immediately, while electricity supply to the locality had also been disconnected.
The affected families fear that an operation could soon be launched to remove those who have stayed behind to protect their livestock and recover belongings from homes that have already been demolished.
The allegations were made by representatives of the displaced residents, who appealed to the federal and Punjab governments to halt any further evictions until rehabilitation measures are fully implemented.
Residents Link Evictions to Expected CM Visit
Families Allege Clearance Ahead of Official Visit
The displaced families further alleged that preparations are underway for an expected visit by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to the Daducha Dam project later this month.
According to the residents, the recent eviction campaign is part of efforts to clear the project area ahead of the anticipated visit.
However, no official statement has been issued by the district administration linking the reported eviction drive to the Chief Minister’s expected visit.
The families urged authorities to ensure that development projects are implemented without compromising the rights and dignity of affected communities.
Families Say Livelihoods Have Been Destroyed
Representatives of the affected residents said they had already lost their agricultural land, grazing fields, and traditional sources of income due to land acquisition for the dam project.
“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 despite sacrificing their homes and farmland for a public infrastructure project, they have not received dignified rehabilitation, alternative housing, or adequate civic facilities.
According to the residents, many displaced families were forced to build new homes on alternative land using their own financial resources because government rehabilitation arrangements remained incomplete.
They said the new settlements continue to lack basic infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and other essential public services.
Residents Question Land-Related Actions
The Daducha Dam affectees also questioned what they described as unequal implementation of official action.
They alleged that while local residents are being displaced, a private housing society operating within the vicinity of the Daducha Dam project has continued its activities without interruption.
According to the families, this has raised concerns about whether land-related regulations are being applied uniformly to all stakeholders.
The residents further claimed that the housing society is attempting to take possession of land that was not acquired for the dam project.
They alleged that access to their remaining land has been restricted and that they have faced intimidation through the alleged use of the names of influential individuals.
These claims have not been independently verified, and the housing society has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Affectees Seek Implementation of Earlier Decision
The displaced families also alleged that the private housing society continues to occupy 82 kanals of land that they say legally belongs to local residents.
According to them, the then Assistant Commissioner ruled in January 2026 that ownership of the disputed land rested with the affected families.
However, they claimed that the decision has yet to be implemented, leaving the land dispute unresolved.
The residents urged the relevant authorities to enforce the earlier administrative decision and restore possession of the disputed land.
Families Present Key Demands to Authorities
The families have appealed to the federal government, the Punjab government, the Chief Secretary, and other concerned authorities to suspend any forced eviction until comprehensive rehabilitation is completed.
They said displaced communities should first receive suitable housing, compensation, and access to essential public services before being required to vacate their remaining homes.
Among their key demands are:
- Completion of rehabilitation before any eviction.
- Payment of lawful compensation for acquired land.
- Provision of roads, electricity, water, and other basic civic amenities at relocation sites.
- Restoration of land they allege remains under illegal occupation.
- Protection of their remaining property rights.
The affected families said these measures are necessary to enable them to rebuild their lives with dignity after displacement caused by the Daducha Dam project.
As of now, the district administration has not publicly responded to the allegations made by the affected residents.