SARGODHA is known as the land of oranges. But, over the last few years, houses and townships have been established on agricultural lands. Many housing schemes are in process of completion. Travelling, say, on Bhalwal Road, one comes across one such township every two or three kilometres.

This drastic change is for some reasons. The land-owners were facing water shortage for a long time which decreased the crop yield. Also, uninvited rain and storms destroyed the crops before the harvest season.

Initially, they started selling the sand of their land to get some temporary relief, but it only worsened the situation. Later, the farmers started developing their land in collaboration with investors. This raised the prices of land.

Now in well-developed towns a marla (25 square metres) costs about three to four lacs. It is giving the owners a decent sum of money.

However, in some cases, conflicts arise and the project suffers from indefinite delays owing to friction between the investors and the land-owners.

Such a scenario becomes double trouble for the landlords who can neither harvest nor sell the land. The land becomes useless and causes massive losses. This trend has resulted in felling which is posing a serious threat to the environment. It is becoming difficult to get fodder for domestic animals and is decreasing space for wildlife.

Drug addicts, gamblers, goons, thieves and dacoits take shelter in these areas to harass and loot the public.

Momna Ahmad
Sargodha

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2022