At the site for construction of the Roghun Hydropower Plant (HPP), authorities have begun relocating more than two dozen cemeteries and individual graves that fall within the planned flood zone of the future reservoir.
According to the updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Roghun HPP Project, published on the official portal of OJSC NBO Roghun, the step has become necessary due to the direct impact of construction on sacred cultural heritage sites.
The report emphasizes that the relocation process is being carried out in line with international standards of the World Bank, with the involvement of relevant government agencies, experts, and local communities.
A comprehensive ethnographic survey conducted in 2023 identified 25 cemeteries and graves that must be moved. Many of them hold significant cultural, historical, and spiritual value for local residents. While project planners sought to avoid disturbing sacred sites, relocation was deemed unavoidable in this case.
“The priority measure is minimizing harm, including relocating cemeteries to new sites as close as possible to the resettled communities themselves,” the report notes.
Adhering to international protocols
The works follow World Bank Standards ESS5 (Involuntary Resettlement) and ESS8 (Cultural Heritage Protection). Before any exhumation or transfer of remains, approvals are required from the Ministry of Justice, local authorities, and consultations must be held with the Ministry of Health and cultural heritage institutions.
If graves have archaeological value, the involvement of the Institute of History, Archeology and Ethnography named after Ahmad Donish becomes mandatory to determine whether scientific research is necessary.
Consultations with families and clergy
Before any work with human remains begins, the project team consults with affected communities, including relatives of the deceased, religious leaders, and local elders. Special attention is given to timely notifications and allowing sufficient time for families to prepare necessary cultural and religious rituals. Even when no living relatives remain, the spiritual connection between communities and burial sites is respected.
Every stage of the relocation process is thoroughly documented — from recording the condition of headstones to describing the position of remains and associated burial artifacts. Excavations are carried out under the supervision of professional archaeologists, and if soft tissue is found, certified specialists oversee the process in compliance with sanitary regulations.
Human remains are handled according to internationally recognized protocols, with detailed records of body orientation, bone condition, personal items, and any biographical data. Should archaeological artifacts or irregularities be discovered, work is immediately halted, and relevant authorities, including police, are notified.
New burial sites chosen together with communities
The selection of new cemeteries takes place through public consultations and with full respect for cultural and religious norms. Where necessary, sites are re-consecrated before reburial. In some cases, archaeological assessments are carried out to ensure new sites do not overlap with heritage layers.
The relocation of cemeteries is described as an integral part of a responsible approach to implementing one of Tajikistan’s largest infrastructure projects. While the impact on cultural heritage is unavoidable, emphasis is placed on honoring the memory of the deceased, upholding religious traditions, and involving local communities in every step of the process.
“The project demonstrates an attempt to balance development with the preservation of cultural identity — a task of particular importance in multiethnic and multifaith Tajikistan,” the report concludes.
Roghun Dam: key figures
Once complete, the Roghun Dam will reach a projected height of 335 meters, forming a massive reservoir with the following characteristics:
- Total capacity: 13.3 km³
- Usable capacity: 10.3 km³
- Length: 16 km
- Average width: 300 m
- Average depth: 50 m
- Maximum depth near the dam: 95 m
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