The unusually dry winter in Gilgit-Baltistan, marked by below-normal snowfall, signals a troubling shift in the region’s climate patterns and raises serious concerns about environmental stability and water security.
Although light snowfall was recorded in different areas, overall picture remains alarming as most valleys are dry and mountains that should be cloaked in white remain bare and rocky.
The impacts of low snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan are far-reaching and potentially devastating. Snow is region’s natural water reservoir, feeding glaciers, rivers and streams that sustain life not only in GB but also downstream across Pakistan. Reduced snowfall threatens long-term water availability, increasing the risk of water scarcity in spring and summer. Moreover, the delicate balance of glaciers is at stake. Insufficient winter snowfall means less replenishment of glaciers, accelerating their retreat under rising temperatures. This not only undermines water security but also raises risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), posing serious threats to lives, infrastructure and livelihoods. Protecting the ecosystem of Gilgit-Baltistan demands urgent and coordinated action. First, climate adaptation must be made a priority in regional and national planning. Second, water management needs serious attention: small dams, reservoirs and traditional water storage systems should be restored and expanded to capture and conserve meltwater. Equally important is environmental protection at the local level. Unchecked deforestation, unplanned construction and reckless tourism exacerbate climate vulnerability. Strict enforcement of environmental regulations, promotion of sustainable tourism, and large-scale afforestation using native species are essential to strengthen ecological resilience. Community awareness and involvement are crucial, as local knowledge and stewardship can play a decisive role in conservation. Pakistan contributes little to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet bears a disproportionate share of climate impacts. Stronger advocacy at international forums, coupled with investment in climate-resilient development at home, is vital.The bare mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan this winter are more than a seasonal anomaly, they are a warning. Ignoring it would come at a cost too high for the region and country to bear.
