REMEMBRING TERBAILA

1967 To 1976 this period of time marks the development of the largest soil dam of the world to be located in Haripur Hazara (my native town). These lines are about some of the details which are very uncommon to people. Areas Affected: 86 Villages in total were under the main area of the dam to be constructed, most of them depending on agriculture and livestock for their habitat, plenty of water was available as a stream was there throughout the year. The area was famous for its scenic beauty and gardens. No real road was ever built and people were quite content taking transportation on foot or some used animals. Assessments: Soon after completion of first phase of construction assessments for the affectless started. This was carried out using local PATWAREES, who were only interested in making their commission, agricultural land was charged per kanal and also on the basis of per fruit bearing trees held by a person. Those who bribed them were awarded while most of the local peasants unaware of the red tape were deprived of what actually was their true right as affected people. This process was completed soon after the construction ended. Relocation: effecties were offered places for living in newly made KHALABAT TOWNSHIP which was designed in sectors. But that was not big enough for relocation of more than 80 villages so most of the people didnt get a chance to grab a plot for themelves. Payment: Banking channel was used for payment to people of money in specially designated accounts with the local banks of Haripur. People were astonished to see their first payment cheques as they were far less than their real damage which lead to a series of protests and the government had to follow up with another installment of payment. Few good men: It would be unfair to mention LOIN OF FRONTIER Hayat Muhammad Khan Sherpao with whose efforts relocation relief was given to effected families in the form of free transport and plots for some of the local poor people who didnt actually possess any land in the areas. Provision of electricity: Electricity provision to partially effected areas was delayed in fact my villages as a matter of fact which was partially affected with only residential part left and most of the land gone received electricity in the year 1991. This is the great agony facing our people that real affecties are forgotten and rest gets the electricity. Jobs for the effecties: Promises made are seldom fulfilled that is the case with jobs that were created in the dam project; people from all over the country were given jobs except for the local effeecties. The Government of Japan was generous when they made a motor bikes factory especially for the help of effected people, but this project was soon aborted due to lack of interest and support of federal and provincial Government.

Earning Recourses: With agriculture gone people was left with no other option to leave their homes for jobs this is the main reason why the affecties are spread all over the country. Few projects were undertaken for the good of people biggest example being famous CHHAPAR ROAD which was made as logistic support tool for dam construction was left in wilderness only after being given to Frontier Highways Authority in year 2005 2006. Fishing: My people have had a really tough time ever since the project was announced and I do not want any of my fellow countrymen to be given this torture again. We have had enough, my people have given Pakistan two Water reservoirs and in return what we were given is obvious. With our corrupt system and the endless red tape we cannot afford to construct another dam over the livelihood of millions of people. Its time to take back the control of our lives and not to be bombarded again with another so called mega project which gives benefits to everyone else except for the people actually affected. These mega projects should be carried out in a way to have a life enhancing impact on the people not a life reducing impact on people.