RAWALPINDI: As work on Daducha Dam will start in next 15 days, the district government has decided to offer market price for the land acquired for the dam.

Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Liaquat Ali Chattha on Saturday visited the site of under construction Daducha Dam where he was briefed about the progress on the project. He also spoke to the local population and listen to their concerns.

The commissioner told the local population that their patriotism and sacrifice were commendable.

“Locals especially of Barwala, including the residents of Arazi Sehaal, Malikpur Azizal and Khanpur, are praiseworthy. We value their sacrifices and will make every effort to compensate them for their sacrifices.

“In the light of the Supreme Court decision and the instructions of the caretaker Punjab government, the land will acquired as per the 2020 rate rather than the one prevailed in 2010,” he said.

He said that those whose property was affected by the dam will be given fair compensation.

Mr Chattha directed that the district administration and departments concerned to work hard on this project to provide clean water for future generations.The commissioner was informed that Daducha Dam is located at a distance of 25 kilometres from Rawalpindi. The height of the dam is 123 feet.

After its construction, this dam will provide 35 million gallons daily (MGD) of water for the city of Rawalpindi, which will benefit domestic consumers. The construction of the dam will provide clean water to Rawalpindi and its remote areas.

The commissioner said that work on Daducha Dam will soon be started in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court. The dam will provide clean drinking water to the population of Rawalpindi city and cantonment.

He further said that construction of a dam is the most important need of the hour. We should also think for our tomorrow. The Punjab government is giving special attention to the water supply projects. The project will be completed within the stipulated time period.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2023