SHIMLA, 04.12.24-A high-level committee constituted to address the relief and rehabilitation of families displaced due to the Pong Dam project submitted its comprehensive report to Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi today. The committee was chaired by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Dhiman, Deputy Commissioner (Relief and Rehabilitation), includes Sub Divisional Magistrate Jwali Vichitra Singh and Tehsildar Dehra Karm Chand Kalia as members.

The Revenue Minister said that the committee's recommendations include the allotment of land to 6,736 displaced families and the establishment of a grievance redressal cell to address concerns related to infrastructure and facilities.

He said that a state-level meeting was convened in Dharamshala on 18^th October to deliberate on the rehabilitation plan. Subsequently, the committee inspected land identified for these families in Rajasthan, covering regions such as Ramgarh, Jaisalmer, Mohangarh and Nachana from 25^th to 27^th October, in coordination with administrative officers of Rajasthan government.

Jagat Singh Negi said that 75,268 acres of land were acquired in 1966-67 for the Pong Dam project, impacting 339 villages. Of the 20,722 affected families, 16,352 have been found eligible for land allotment, while 6,736 families are yet to be rehabilitated.

He said that the state government would hold a ministerial-level meeting next month to discuss the findings and expedite the rehabilitation process. He said that central assistance would be sought to ensure timely and effective relief efforts.