Journal of Geography  & Natural Disasters
Open Access

Abstract

Resettlement in New Environment and Its Impacts on Socio-Cultural Values of the Affecters: A Case Study of Tarbela Dam, Pakistan

Rabih Azhar

Man has constructed large dams on rivers to have a continue supply of water for drinking, irrigation, power generation and flood control. Although these large projects have many positive impacts benefiting large population and national interests. However, there are many examples of the so called development that induced displacement of people and disruption of social network and local institutions. The present study was carried out to analyze the impacts of changing environment on the displaced communities of the Tarbela Dam. It assess the dynamic socio-economic constraints by evaluating affecter’s responses to the changes occurred in adopting new environment. Construction of the Dam adversely affected and dislocated the once stable socio-cultural fabric and values. As a result of dislocation local traditions and values are almost eliminated. Affecters still feel themselves misfit in new set up. The decision stated in point XII of the resettlement policy (village sites should be developed along the Periphery of the reservoir and elsewhere in Hazara in consultation with the affected people) was not strictly implemented as a result the affecters were dispersed and resettled on their own at different places in the districts of KPK and Punjab Provinces. Therefore, the present study has critically evaluated the above stated policy and tried to find out whether justice was done to these affected?