Central panel paves way for rehab of thousands of Pong Dam oustees

The Central High-Power Committee (CHPC), constituted in 1996-97 under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, has offered a renewed glimmer of hope for the Pong Dam oustees still awaiting rehabilitation in Rajasthan.

In a recent meeting, the CHPC resolved to extend the time frame for taking physical possession of allotted land in Rajasthan from 90 to 180 days. This significant decision was taken under the provisions of the Rajasthan Colonisation Act, 1972.

Dr Sanjay Dhiman, Deputy Commissioner for Relief and Rehabilitation (DC R&R), based at Raja Ka Talab in the Fatehpur subdivision, told The Tribune that the CHPC has also directed the Rajasthan government to formulate standard operating procedures (SOPs), through local District Collectors, to ensure oustees can easily obtain domicile certificates, Kisan Credit Cards and other reservation-related benefits in Rajasthan.

He further shared that due to the dedicated efforts of the Himachal Pradesh government, a major milestone was achieved on July 1 with the bulk allotment of land (murabbas) to 222 oustees in Bikaner district, Rajasthan.

It is worth noting that 20,722 families were displaced in 1966 from the erstwhile Haldoon valley in lower Kangra district for the construction of the Pong Dam. Out of these, over 16,352 families were declared eligible for land allotment — 25 bighas each — in Rajasthan. The then Himachal Pradesh government issued 15,385 eligibility certificates and their respective land allotment files were submitted to the Rajasthan government.

While approximately 10,000 families have since been rehabilitated in Rajasthan, thousands more remain in limbo, awaiting the land and support promised over five decades ago. Successive governments have made persistent efforts, but many eligible displaced families continue to run from pillar to post in pursuit of justice.

To streamline and accelerate the resettlement process, the office of the DC R&R was established at Raja Ka Talab. It is actively coordinating between the governments of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Dr Dhiman stated that, in an effort to ensure transparency, the department has developed a Google spreadsheet accessible to all oustees, enabling them to track the latest status of their allotted murabbas in Rajasthan.