At least four of the five revenue tehsils identified in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district to resettle 6,263 families displaced by the Pong Dam project in Himachal Pradesh are located near the India-Pakistan border, meaning much of the agricultural land is inaccessible due to security concerns. This is one of several issues highlighted in the 74-page inspection report submitted to the Himachal Pradesh government this week.
The inspection committee formed under the coordination of Deputy Commissioner (Relief and Rehabilitation) Dr. Sanjay Kumar Dhiman expressed concern over the barrenness of the land, the poor quality of the soil in the desert, the increasing threat from land mafia and encroachment and the lack of an effective grievance redressal system. by Rajasthan Govt. Report It was submitted to Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi on December 4.
“A significant portion of marabba (25 bigha is one marabba) or agricultural land lies in the border area. The area is heavily guarded by the Border Security Force (BSF) on the Indian side and the Pakistani Rangers on the other, creating a tense atmosphere. Strict vigilance in this border region makes these lands almost inaccessible, complicating agricultural activities vital to the sustenance of these communities,” the report pointed out.
“The lengthy process and security protocols involved in accessing these border areas create significant barriers, leaving many plots unoccupied and underutilized. This exacerbates the economic struggles faced by the displaced, leading to a sense of hopelessness as promises of resettlement go unfulfilled amid an increased presence of border security, “It adds up.
The report also highlighted the challenges of obtaining permits for access to agricultural land, “Furthermore, the process of obtaining identity cards, essential for access to various services and rights, is cumbersome and fraught with obstacles. Lengthy bureaucratic processes and a lack of clear communication further complicate matters, leaving many people feeling marginalized and powerless. Securing these important documents adds another layer of difficulty for the excluded, reinforcing their exclusion from the expected benefits of resettlement.
Thousands of families have been displaced during the construction of Pong Dam in Kangra district. At that time, an MoU was signed between the governments of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan to rehabilitate the people of Jaisalmer, Ganganagar and Bikaner districts as the dam water would irrigate these areas as well. However, the restoration process dragged on for years, leading to the case reaching the Supreme Court.
Under phase 2 of the resettlement process, chak (land area located mostly in rural areas) located in border areas under Jaisalmer, Ramgarh, Mohangarh-1 and Nachna tehsils have been identified for displaced families.
A member of the committee told The Indian Express, “Most of the chalks selected for land allocation are near BSF posts for border security. These chalks are about 45 km from the border but certain permission is required to carry out agricultural and farming activities in these areas. These chalks are barren and barren. The topography of the region ranges from flat to gently undulating, typical of desert landscapes. Although the flat terrain is advantageous for farming, the lack of natural water sources and drainage creates a high dependence on artificial irrigation. Sometimes sand dunes also characterize landscapes shaped by wind erosion.”
Under the section titled ‘An Insight into Jaisalmer, Mohangarh-1, Ramgarh and Nachna’, the report observed, “The study area comprising four tehsils of Jaisalmer district, where land has been allotted to Pong Dam Bhiskars, is predominantly arid, desert and semi-desert terrain. Characterized by the vast expanse of the harsh climatic conditions, this challenging environment significantly affects both the quality of life and the productivity of the land for settlement Improving well-being requires careful planning and adaptive strategies.”
Commenting on soil quality, the report says, “Soils in the study area are predominantly sandy and dry, with limited organic matter, making it unsuitable for conventional agriculture. High sand content reduces the soil’s ability to retain moisture and essential nutrients, a challenging environment for many crops.” In addition, the soil is often saline, which further limits fertility and requires special agricultural practices or soil treatments to reduce it.”
The report further states, “This soil type poses difficulties for residents once accustomed to more fertile land, as it limits their agricultural options and increases farming costs. Appropriate interventions to increase productivity, improve soil quality and support sustainable agriculture— such as adding organic fertilizers, using soil conditioners, and selecting drought-resistant crops.”
Jwali Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Bachiter Singh and Revenue Officer Karm Chand Kalia were also present in the inspection committee. The team visited five tehsils between October 25 and 27 with the help of Rajasthan government officials.
In Phase 1, more than 12,000 displaced families were resettled years ago in several areas of Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh in Rajasthan.