“A significant portion of the murabbas (25 bighas comprise one murabba) or agricultural land lies within the border area. This region is closely monitored by the Border Security Force (BSF) on the Indian side and the Pakistan Rangers on the other, creating a tense atmosphere. Strict vigilance in this border zone renders these lands nearly inaccessible, complicating the agricultural activities vital for the sustenance of these communities,” the report points out.

“Lengthy procedures and security protocols involved in accessing these border areas create significant barriers, leaving many plots uncultivated and underutilized. This exacerbates the economic struggles faced by the oustees, leading to a sense of despair as the promise of resettlement remains unfulfilled amid the looming presence of border security,” it adds.

The report also highlights the challenges in obtaining permissions to access agricultural land, stating, “Moreover, the process of obtaining identity cards, critical for accessing various services and rights, has proven cumbersome and fraught with obstacles. Lengthy bureaucratic procedures and a lack of clear communication further complicate matters, leaving many individuals feeling marginalised and powerless. Securing these vital documents adds another layer of hardship for the oustees, reinforcing their exclusion from the benefits expected from resettlement.”

Thousands of families were displaced during the construction of the Pong Dam in Kangra district. At the time, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the governments of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan to rehabilitate people in Jaisalmer, Ganganagar and Bikaner districts as water from the dam would irrigate these regions too. The rehabilitation process, however, has dragged on over the years, leading to the matter landing before the Supreme Court.

Under Phase 2 of the rehabilitation process, land in chaks (land areas situated mostly in rural areas) located near the border areas under Jaisalmer, Ramgarh, Mohangarh-1 and Nachna tehsils has been identified for the displaced families.

A committee member told The Indian Express, “Most of the chaks selected for land allotment are located near the posts of BSF, which is for the security of border. These chaks are around 45km away from the border but there is need a to obtain certain permissions to carry out agriculture and cultivation activities in these areas. These chaks are infertile and barren. The region’s topography is flat to gently undulating, typical of desert landscapes. While the flat terrain can be advantageous for farming, the lack of natural water sources and drainage creates a high dependency on artificial irrigation. Occasional sand dunes also characterise the landscape, shaped by wind erosion.”

Under the section titled ‘An Insight into Jaisalmer, Mohangarh-1, Ramgarh, and Nachna’, the report observes, “The study area, encompassing the four tehsils of Jaisalmer district where land has been allotted to Pong Dam oustees, is predominantly arid, characterized by vast stretches of desert and semi-desert terrain. Harsh climatic conditions significantly affect both the quality of life and the land’s productivity for agriculture and habitation. This challenging environment requires careful planning and adaptive strategies to improve the well-being of resettled families.”

Commenting on the soil quality, the report states, “The soil in the study area is predominantly sandy and arid, with limited organic matter, making it unsuitable for traditional agriculture. High sand content reduces the soil’s ability to retain moisture and essential nutrients, creating a challenging environment for most crops. Additionally, the soil is often saline, which further limits fertility and requires specific agricultural practices or soil treatments to mitigate.”

The report further states, “This soil type poses difficulties for residents who were once accustomed to more fertile land, as it limits their agricultural options and increases farming costs. To enhance productivity, suitable interventions—such as adding organic fertilizers, using soil conditioners, and selecting drought-resistant crops—are essential to improve soil quality and support sustainable agriculture.”

The inspection committee also included Jwali Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Bachiter Singh and Revenue Officer Karm Chand Kalia. The team visited the five tehsils between October 25 and 27, assisted by officials from the Rajasthan government.

During Phase 1, over 12,000 displaced families were settled in several areas of Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh in Rajasthan years ago.