Special Committee Vows to Address Issues of Bhasha Dam Affectees
A special committee led by Minister Amir Muqam has pledged to resolve the concerns of Bhasha Dam affectees, focusing on resettlement, education, and infrastructure development.
A special committee, headed by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam, recently visited Chilas to address the long-standing concerns of the Bhasha Dam affectees. The visit was marked by discussions with the local jirga, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of those impacted by the mega hydropower project.
Key officials, including Minister for Water Resources Mueen Wattoo, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, and WAPDA Chairman Sajjad Ghani, were also present to assess the grievances and announce crucial developmental measures.
Government’s Commitment to Resettlement
Minister Amir Muqam emphasized that the federal government has made the resettlement of the Bhasha and Dasu Dam affectees a priority. He assured that all concerns related to displacement, compensation, and socio-economic rehabilitation would be addressed on a fast-track basis.
Key Focus Areas:
- Choolha Package: Ensuring affected families receive necessary financial and logistical support for their relocation.
- Resettlement Programs: Providing adequate housing and livelihood opportunities to displaced residents.
- Health and Education: Establishing healthcare facilities and improving access to quality education.
- Infrastructure Development: Upgrading roads, utilities, and other essential services to benefit the local communities.
Key Announcements by the Special Committee
During the meeting, the special committee made several significant commitments to facilitate the resettlement and rehabilitation of the affected population:
- Danish School in Chilas: Minister Amir Muqam pledged to recommend the establishment of a Danish School in Chilas to the Prime Minister, ensuring that children of affectees receive high-quality education.
- Increased Educational Support: WAPDA announced that it would double the academic sessions at WAPDA College, accommodating more students from the affected regions.
- Tuition Fee Assistance: Addressing concerns regarding the tuition fees of medical and engineering students, the government assured financial relief to deserving candidates.
Education and Infrastructure Development
Education and infrastructure development are pivotal to the successful rehabilitation of displaced families. The government has taken proactive steps to:
- Expand existing educational institutions to cater to students from affected areas.
- Upgrade healthcare facilities to ensure medical assistance is available to all residents.
- Improve road networks and public transportation to enhance connectivity.
These initiatives are expected to improve the socio-economic conditions of the region while ensuring sustainable development.
Future Plans and Recommendations
The government remains committed to long-term solutions for the Bhasha Dam affectees. Key recommendations moving forward include:
- Establishing vocational training centers to provide alternative employment opportunities.
- Strengthening communication channels between authorities and local communities to ensure grievances are promptly addressed.
- Implementing special economic zones to attract investment and create job opportunities for displaced individuals.
- Providing financial compensation to all families affected by the dam’s construction.
Conclusion
The recent visit by the special committee signals the government’s unwavering dedication to resolving the challenges faced by the Bhasha Dam affectees. Through strategic resettlement plans, educational enhancements, and infrastructure development, authorities aim to uplift the affected communities and integrate them into the nation’s broader economic framework.
Related Articles:
- Impact of Large Dams on Local Communities
- Government’s Water Resource Management Plans
- How Infrastructure Development Affects Displaced Communities
External Resources:
By addressing these pressing concerns and prioritizing development, the government and WAPDA have a unique opportunity to ensure justice and progress for the Bhasha Dam affectees.
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