Projects

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p. 6 of 6 BACK | NEXT Background Why the project is needed Issues and concerns ADB's response to issues and concerns Grievance Redress and Settlement Committee Activities Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

• Why is the project attracting controversy?
• Is it true that the main canal will lead to the flooding of villages on the west side of the project area during monsoon season?
• Why haven’t farmers whose lands are affected by construction of the project been adequately compensated?
• Why wasn’t a resettlement plan prepared for displaced persons affected by the project?
• What kind of project documents are available from ADB?

Q. Why is the project attracting controversy?

A. ADB understands this is mainly because of the risk of flooding in the villages on the west side of the main canal and delayed compensation payment for land acquisition.

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Q. Is it true that the main canal will lead to the flooding of villages on the west side of the project area during monsoon season?

A. Along the main canal, a series of 68 cross-drainage structures has been designed to withstand a worst-possible scenario for once-in-40 year floods. Every effort has been made to avoid any flooding. However, despite the project designers’ best efforts, due to the proximity of some villages to the canal, the possibility exists that up to 22 villages on the canal’s west bank could be inundated if floods occur that exceed the 1-in-40 year design.

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Q. Why haven’t farmers whose lands are affected by construction of the project been adequately compensated?

A. Compensation for land acquisition is being carried out in accordance with Pakistan’s Land Acquisition Act and is a matter for the Pakistan implementing agencies, WAPDA and the governments of North Western Frontier and Punjab provinces. ADB is concerned that issues related to compensation may exist and is working closely with the Pakistan implementing agencies.

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Q. Why wasn’t a resettlement plan prepared for displaced persons affected by the project?

A. Resettlement planning guidelines have been provided to the Government. ADB is reviewing the issues of resettlement and compensation, and ADB hopes these will be resolved as soon as possible.

Q. What kind of project documents are available from ADB?

A. The Appraisal Report of November 1991 and the board paper for approval of supplementary financing of June 1999 are available at http://www.adb.org/Inspection/projects/chasma_right.asp#project. For other documents and information, you may ask the contact person whose name, phone number, and e-mail address are found in the Contacts page.