LAHORE:

The Implementation Committee on Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams (ICDBMD) met on Tuesday to discuss matters related to land acquisition and the resettlement of locals.

Commissioner Diamer Astore Division briefed the committee about compliance with the decisions made during the previous meeting and the issues pertaining to payment of compensation to the affectees, particularly the “Missing and Double Chula (Household) Package”.

GM (Land Acquisition and Resettlement) of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) spoke about the leftover land, mutation of land, Ginni Pozzolan, Tangir Hydropower Project and boundary dispute along the right bank of Indus River.

Progress on the “2025 Agreement” reached between the federal government and the Diamer Ulema Committee was also discussed during the meeting.

Presiding over the meeting, ICDBMD/Wapda Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saeed welcomed the views and input from meeting participants to address the issues of land acquisition and payment of compensation to the project affectees.

Underlining the significance of Diamer-Bhasha Dam for water, food and energy security of Pakistan, he emphasised the need for completing the project without further delay, adding that all stakeholders had to play their due role in that regard.

The chairman reiterated that Wapda was committed to implementing the 2025 Agreement in true letter and spirit but it was also necessary for the locals to help ensure the smooth execution of Diamer-Bhasha Dam project with no hurdles to construction activities at relevant sites. He urged Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) administration to help fast-track land acquisition and related processes and asked locals to become stakeholders as well as facilitate timely completion of the project.