NESTLED among towering mountains, Gilgit city serves as the hub of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a region renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. However, the city faces relentless environmental and socio-economic challenges, threatening its ecological balance and livability.
Unregulated migration and unchecked urbanization have strained limited resources, sacrificed agricultural lands, and led to the destruction of iconic mulberry and chinar trees. Pristine water streams, once vital to the ecosystem, have become polluted conduits of domestic and industrial waste, threatening public health and biodiversity.
Socio-economic factors exacerbate these issues. Gilgit’s disputed status under UN resolutions limits international support, leaving its infrastructure in disrepair and contributing to poverty. Employment opportunities are scarce, driving brain drain as youth seek opportunities elsewhere. Reliance on fossil fuels and hazardous materials for winter heating further depletes resources and worsens air quality, contributing to deforestation, climate change, and glacial melt.
Despite these challenges, Gilgit holds immense potential for revitalization. Restoring green belts by replanting indigenous trees and medicinal plants is crucial to mitigate urban heat and ecological degradation. Strategic urban planning can balance residential and commercial needs, while waste management systems and public awareness campaigns can foster environmental responsibility. Revitalizing streams through desilting, rehabilitation, and pollution control can enhance water quality, support irrigation, and boost eco-tourism.
Economic rejuvenation requires innovative solutions. Agro-industries and small-scale businesses leveraging local resources like dry fruits, cherries, and medicinal plants can create jobs and stimulate growth. Exporting products such as Sea Buckthorn and Artemisia to global markets can position Gilgit as a hub of sustainable trade, with reinvested revenues driving development projects.
Promoting renewable energy, such as solar and micro-hydropower systems, can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and deforestation. Subsidized fuel alternatives and efficient heating technologies can improve living conditions while minimizing environmental harm. Expanding road networks, integrating green spaces, and establishing urban agricultural fields can ensure food security and a balanced urban ecosystem.
Education is key to long-term success. Environmental conservation must be emphasized to instill stewardship among younger generations. Research grants from donor agencies and institutions like ICIMOD offer unique opportunities for GB scholars to secure funds and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Restoring Gilgit’s environment and infrastructure demands collective action from policymakers, community leaders, and international organizations. It is not just an effort to address historical neglect but a moral and cultural responsibility to safeguard the city’s future. By prioritizing sustainable development, Gilgit can transform into a model urban center that harmonizes nature and modernity, preserving its status as a critical freshwater repository—the “Third Pole.”
—The writer is an environmental specialist and advocate for sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan.
