Land Acquisition Approved to Rebuild Flood-Damaged Road in Kohistan

After years of delay, authorities have finally ordered land acquisition for the reconstruction of the 26-kilometre Dubair–Ranowalia Road, which was destroyed during the 2022 flash floods.

Hazara Commissioner Fayyaz Ali Shah has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Lower Kohistan to initiate the land acquisition process to rebuild the vital road link, according to an official notification.

Notification Issued Under Land Acquisition Act

The notification stated that the land is being acquired for public purpose and at public expense to facilitate the reconstruction of the Dubair–Ranowalia Road. A copy of the directive has also been forwarded to the Senior Member Board of Revenue, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under Section 6 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.

World Bank Funding Already Released

Officials confirmed that the World Bank has already released Rs. 500 million specifically for land acquisition related to the project. The road was swept away nearly three years ago during severe flooding, cutting off access for Dubair, Ranowalia, and several surrounding villages.

The damaged route is considered a critical lifeline for local communities, connecting remote areas to markets, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.

Protests Continue Until Work Begins

Despite the latest directive, residents of Dubair, Ranowalia, and nearby areas continue to hold a protest sit-in, warning that demonstrations will not end until reconstruction work physically begins.

Local elder Malik Aurangzeb welcomed the commissioner’s order but said residents remain cautious. Speaking to reporters, he said the sit-in has been ongoing for seven weeks, driven by frustration over repeated delays.

He added that talks were held with the district administration, Wapda, and police after protesters launched the sit-in following the diversion of water from the Dubair dam, which also led to a halt in electricity generation. However, residents rejected verbal assurances and demanded visible progress on the ground.

Aurangzeb said the community’s anger stems from the fact that the 2022 floods claimed lives and destroyed infrastructure, yet reconstruction efforts have yet to start. He said protesters will end their sit-in only once work on the road officially begins.

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