Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has released Rs 972.5 million for development schemes in the Diamer Basha Dam Project area as part of its ongoing Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) for local communities.
A cheque for the amount was handed over to the district administration during a ceremony at the office of the Commissioner, Diamer Astore Division.
The ceremony was attended by the Commissioner Diamer Astore Division, WAPDA's General Manager and Project Director for Diamer Basha Dam, Chief Engineer Construction Works, Director General Social Safeguards, Deputy Commissioner Diamer, members of the Dam Ulema Committee and local community elders.
According to WAPDA, the funds will be used for development schemes aimed at improving living standards and supporting socio economic development in communities surrounding the dam project.
The schemes will be implemented by relevant departments of the Gilgit Baltistan government under the supervision of the district administration and in consultation with local communities.
WAPDA and the Diamer district administration signed a memorandum of understanding last month for the implementation of the schemes. A joint monitoring committee comprising representatives of WAPDA, the district administration and local communities will oversee the quality, progress and timely completion of the projects.
WAPDA said it is implementing development schemes worth Rs 78.5 billion under the Diamer Basha Dam Project for the welfare of local communities. The initiatives cover infrastructure, education, health and other public welfare sectors.
Several major projects have already been completed, including Cadet College Chilas, Army Public School Thor and hydropower projects at Thak and Thor. Work on a number of other development schemes is continuing across the project area.

Gilgit | ReNews Pakistan
The Gilgit Baltistan government has decided to make disaster resilient housing a key component of a Rs 16 billion Climate Resilience Project, as authorities seek to provide safer homes for families repeatedly affected by floods, cloudbursts and other natural disasters across the mountainous region.
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Amjad Hussain issued the directive after receiving a detailed briefing from the Planning and Development Department on the proposed climate resilience programme, which is being developed with support from international development partners.
The Chief Minister said Gilgit Baltistan remains highly vulnerable to climate related disasters, with flash floods and cloudbursts damaging or destroying homes in several areas each year. He stressed that rebuilding conventional houses in disaster prone locations without adequate resilience measures would leave communities exposed to recurring losses.
He directed the Planning and Development Department to formally incorporate a disaster-resilient housing component into the Rs 16 billion project. Under the proposed initiative, reconstruction and rehabilitation measures would be undertaken for homes damaged in vulnerable areas after approval from the relevant steering committee.
The housing programme is expected to focus on safer construction practices and climate resilient designs aimed at reducing the vulnerability of communities to future natural disasters.
The Chief Minister said rehabilitation of disaster affected families and the provision of safe shelter should remain among the government's priorities.
He noted that a housing colony for flood affected families was established in Bubar last year with support from the federal government. In another housing initiative, 200 homes are currently being constructed for families affected by natural disasters with assistance from the Sindh government.
The broader Rs16 billion Climate Resilience Project will extend beyond housing and include the development of environmentally sustainable and climate resilient public infrastructure. Plans also include safe drinking water facilities, sewerage systems and easier access to financing for local communities.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the ability of communities and public infrastructure to withstand the increasing impact of extreme weather and natural disasters while improving basic services across Gilgit Baltistan.
The Chief Minister also called for transparent implementation of the programme and directed that the Project Director be appointed strictly on merit through an open recruitment process. He said qualified professionals from all relevant disciplines should have an equal opportunity to compete for the position to ensure that the project is led by a competent candidate.
According to the Chief Minister, the Climate Resilience Project could have a wider economic impact by generating activity linked to housing and infrastructure development while supporting sustainable growth across the region.
With disaster-resilient housing now proposed as a central element, the project is expected to combine post-disaster rehabilitation with longer-term measures aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and reducing recurring damage to homes and essential infrastructure.

Gilgit | ReNews Pakistan
The Gilgit Baltistan Assembly has unanimously urged the federal government to establish a dedicated green fund to safeguard the region's glaciers and fragile mountain ecosystem from the escalating impacts of climate change, warning that the accelerating environmental crisis poses a serious threat to both local communities and future generations.
The demand came through a unanimously adopted resolution in the provincial assembly, where lawmakers stressed that Gilgit Baltistan is one of the country's most climate vulnerable regions despite contributing significantly to Pakistan's freshwater resources through its extensive glacier system.
Under the proposed initiative, the assembly called on the federal government to create a special green fund that would finance glacier conservation, environmental protection, clean drinking water projects, waste management systems and other climate resilience initiatives. Members also urged the Ministries of Climate Change, Water Resources and Planning to jointly formulate a comprehensive national glacier protection strategy focused on preserving the region's natural resources and strengthening adaptation measures.
The resolution further sought water rights, water royalty and financial compensation for Gilgit Baltistan through dedicated development packages, arguing that the region plays a critical role in sustaining Pakistan's water security while facing disproportionate climate related risks.
During the debate, lawmakers expressed concern over the rapid melting of glaciers, describing it as one of the most pressing environmental challenges confronting the region. They emphasized that rising temperatures, changing weather patterns and extreme climate events have increased the risk of glacial lake outburst floods and other natural disasters, making immediate adaptation and conservation measures essential.
Members also highlighted growing environmental pressures resulting from expanding tourism, unplanned construction and increasing traffic in ecologically sensitive areas. They warned that these activities are accelerating environmental degradation, contributing to glacier retreat and increasing the likelihood of floods and other downstream hazards.
The assembly additionally called for a transparent investigation into climate change funds previously allocated for Gilgit Baltistan to ensure that public resources are being utilized efficiently and effectively for environmental protection and climate resilience projects.
Lawmakers concluded that sustained federal support, coordinated planning and targeted investment will be essential to protect Gilgit Baltistan's glaciers, strengthen climate resilience and secure the region's environmental and water resources for future generations.