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Islamabad [Pakistan]December 29 (ANI): The construction of the world’s largest roller compacted concrete dam on the Indus River in Pakistan’s Diamer-Bhasha Dam has caused panic among residents of Gilgit-Baltistan, reigniting the issue of environmental degradation, according to Reports from the International Forum on Rights and Security (IFFRAS).
Pakistan’s dam models have come under scrutiny in light of recent floods in the country, the report said. “The country needs to find alternative models that are both economically viable and environmentally friendly without causing too much displacement and poverty.”
The report said that the dam is located in an earthquake-prone area, so it has aroused great concern from the citizens as they will have to face the consequences of the dam construction, while the benefits of the dam will benefit the residents of Punjab and Sindh provinces.
Although Islamabad has been pushing for the development of the dam, recent floods in Pakistan have led to a need to review the project and build it in a more scientific manner to minimize its adverse effects, such as loss of livelihoods.
The construction of the dam affected the citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, the government ignored the opinions of the local people and did not provide compensation for the land acquisition.
“It is estimated that the reservoir of the Bhasha Diamar mega dam in Diamar will flood 110 kilometers of the Karakoram Highway and initially displace about 80,000 people. Further expansion of the dam will displace about 300,000 local indigenous people, more than 200 will be displaced. km area up to Gilgit town will be submerged. This may also lead to huge loss of wildlife and mineral resources in the area,” IFFRAS reported.
The IFFRAS report also said: “At its peak, the project was supposed to move 70,000 trucks across the border every day. While the current figure is much lower, it would increase mobility and pollution in the region beyond repair in due course. If the pristine environment of the area is polluted and the aesthetics are eroded, the money Gilgit Baltistan earns from tourism will be at great risk.”
Local communities in the area are also concerned about the threat to the rare animal species that live in the area.
Recently, the South Asia News reported that Pakistan is struggling to survive after experiencing extensive floods and heavy rains this year. Pakistan needs more international assistance to deal with the devastating effects of the disaster. (Arnie)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)
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