The construction of the Eastbay expressway leading to Gwadar port has caused damage to the local culture and population. The people who were living in the area were workers of Solar Evaporation Methods, and they used to make salt and sell it to the market. However, after the construction of the expressway, there is only some families are remaining, and the people have been forced to leave their homes and their way of life behind.
During my visit to the Waadi Dhor area, I noticed that the people were hesitant to share their opinions openly, and some even refused to speak to me altogether. It was clear that they were afraid of repercussions from the authorities for speaking out against the development projects. This fear is not unfounded, as there have been reports of intimidation and violence against locals who have tried to resist the construction of many projects. For this reason, the names mentioned in the article are not their real names, as they fear retaliation if they are identified. This fear of speaking out highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the planning and implementation of large-scale development projects.
One of the remaining salt workers, Mr. Ali, laments the loss of his old life and his relatives who were forced to leave the area. He fears that he too will be forced to quit his home soon, as the government has paid for their land to empty the area. The once-vibrant Waadi Dhor area now looks like a military zone, where locals are not allowed to enter without showing their identity.
The plight of the people of Waadi Dhor area is just one example of the many challenges faced by indigenous communities in the wake of large-scale development projects
Raheem, another person from the area, is also missing his friends and relatives. He says: "Visionary leaders and politicians could have stopped the destruction of their land and civilisation – but who to blame now?" Making salt with solar heat was not only the source of their income, but also their tradition and history. He says that previously they felt freer, but now they feel as if they are trapped behind a fence.
The tradition of making salt with solar heat by seawater is unique to Balochistan. This method has been practiced in the region for centuries and is an essential part of the local culture and tradition. The process involves collecting seawater in shallow ponds and letting the sun evaporate the water, leaving behind the salt.
However, the construction of the Eastbay expressway and the development of the Gwadar port have threatened this traditional way of life. The construction of the expressway and other infrastructure projects has destroyed the salt pans and the natural environment, making it difficult for the locals to continue their work.
The plight of the people of Waadi Dhor area is just one example of the many challenges faced by indigenous communities in the wake of large-scale development projects. While these projects may bring economic benefits, they often come at a cost to the environment, culture, and livelihoods of local communities. It is essential to ensure that the development is sustainable and takes into account the needs and aspirations of the people who will be affected by it.
Development work that is part of CPEC may bring immense change to the region, but it has also negatively impacted the lives of indigenous people. The loss of the tradition of making salt with solar heat by seawater is just one example of the disruption produced by massive infrastructure projects.
The government and other stakeholders must take steps to mitigate the impact of such projects on the local communities and ensure that they are not left behind in the race for development.
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