 |
| Diamer-Bhasha Dam: Economic benefits vs. environmental destruction. Over 70% of Diamer’s land submerged, displacing thousands. Join the Diamer Bachao Movement. |
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam project poses a severe threat to the rights, future, and survival of the people of Diamer and Gilgit-Baltistan. While it promises economic and energy benefits for Pakistan, it comes at a devastating cost to the region. Over 70% of Diamer’s land will be submerged, displacing thousands of people and endangering the local environment. It is essential for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to unite and resist this project through the Diamer Bachao Movement to protect their land, culture, and future generations.
The Reality of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam
The construction of the world's tallest roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dam, standing at 816 feet, aims to generate 4,500 MW of electricity. Additionally, it will:
- Extend Tarbela Dam’s lifespan by 35 years.
- Protect Pakistan from floods.
- Store 8.5 million acre-feet of water to address water shortages.
However, these benefits come at a high price for the people of Diamer and Gilgit-Baltistan, who will face displacement, environmental destruction, and loss of their ancestral lands.
Environmental and Social Risks
The dam’s reservoir will spread over 200 square kilometers, submerging villages, agricultural lands, and historical sites. Diamer’s mountainous terrain is prone to seismic activity, making such a massive water body extremely risky. Furthermore, the surrounding land will fall under WAPDA’s control, reducing local autonomy and limiting access for the native population.
The project also threatens centuries-old heritage and culture in Diamer. Around 17,900 acres of land have already been transferred to WAPDA. The question remains: Was this land truly government-owned, or did it belong to the indigenous people of Diamer? Additionally, WAPDA had committed to constructing nine model villages for displaced families, but those promises remain unfulfilled.
Organizing the Diamer Bachao Movement
To protect the interests of Diamer, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan must come together to:
- Demand transparency regarding land ownership and fair compensation.
- Hold WAPDA accountable for resettlement and infrastructure development.
- Raise awareness about the devastating social and environmental consequences of the dam.
- Resist displacement and demand local rights over resources.
Pakistan’s Unconstitutional Control Over Gilgit-Baltistan
For 77 years, Pakistan has exercised unconstitutional administrative control over Gilgit-Baltistan, treating it as a colony rather than granting it full rights. This has led to:
- Systematic exploitation of local resources without fair distribution.
- Violation of United Nations resolutions regarding the Kashmir dispute.
- The deprivation of fundamental human rights, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
The Struggle Against Displacement and Economic Exploitation
Thousands of Diamer’s residents have been protesting against forced displacement. Despite the dam’s $30 billion price tag, over 70% of Diamer’s land will be submerged, while Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will receive the economic and energy benefits. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s federal institutions continue to seize control of border trade routes, further restricting economic opportunities for Gilgit-Baltistan's youth.
Call to Action: Protecting Gilgit-Baltistan’s Future
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan must stand against unjust policies such as the Land Reforms Bill, which seeks to take away their land and resources. The Diamer Bachao Movement must lead the struggle to:
- End unconstitutional control over Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Demand the establishment of a constitutional assembly as per UN resolutions.
- Prevent systematic land grabs and forced displacement.
