WAPDA buys Diamer Dam land at fraction of value
Affected residents in Gilgit-Baltistan say compensation falls far below market rates and their demands have not been addressed, according to Lok Sujag.
ISLAMABAD: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is acquiring land from people affected by the Diamer Dam in Gilgit-Baltistan at a fraction of its market value, according to a report by Lok Sujag.
The report, published on Thursday, says the affected residents' land is worth millions, but WAPDA is purchasing it for far less. Their demands remain unmet, the report adds.
The published headline and standfirst did not include the specific compensation rates, the number of affected families, or the list of demands. Skardu Times is following up with officials and community representatives for details.
The Diamer Dam is being built on the Indus River in Diamer district, Gilgit-Baltistan, with WAPDA as the executing agency. Land acquisition for large hydropower projects in the region has been a recurring source of tension between residents and the government.
A WAPDA spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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