"THE VIOLENT GLACIERS AND HAPLESS PEOPLE OF GB"
Written By : Iftikhar
Akhter
Gilgit-Baltistan
is one of country’s most vulnerable areas to climate change. Gilgit-Baltistan
due to its geographical location has been frequently affected by heavy monsoons
in the past. Since many years, we observe that extreme weather events in the
region as heavy rains and violent floods have seriously affected the life and
livelihood to a great extent. The super fast changing climates’ devastating
effects are persistent in Gilgit-Baltistan. The glaciers are melting very fast
and the violent torrents ruined the number of villages in all over the GB.
Science has
already confirmed Pakistan’s vulnerability to climatic extremes. Over the past
50 years, cold spells have been decreasing across the county wide. Another
comprehensive study on future climatic extremes by researchers of the Global
Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC) shows the increasing risk in future
extreme events in terms of intensity and frequency across Pakistan. The
magnitude and frequency of temperature extremes is increasing – which may occur
frequently in the future.
It is
worthwhile to note that the temperature extremes are more devastating in the
region. Recently a havoc flood destroyed each and every thing at Badh-Swad
village of district Ghizer where more than thirty houses and a large number of
their cultivable land have been flooded. Last night ferocious land sliding
ruined number of villages as Sher Qila, Bargo, Jutal and many other villages in
Baltistan region are badly affected ones. The hapless people are living as
nomads. The People are helplessly waiting Gov,t for wounding their miseries but
the heedless gov,t’s measurements are unsatisfactory. We are thankful to army
for their support and helping of flooded people.
After 18th
amendment, the subjects of environment have been delegated to provinces.
Therefore it is dire need of time that provincial gov,t should take immediate
steps to reduce this vulnerability. Gov,t should develop a climate-resilient
infrastructure that can withstand unpredictable weather events. Some hard mitigation
options could include: Climate resilient irrigation system; efficient water
supply and sewage system; Upgrade water shed management; High-standard
transportation system and Sustainable infrastructure. There is also some soft
mitigation options could include: awareness raising activities; capacity
building training for locals and through seminars and workshops; increase
support for community and encourage role of media to creating awareness among
the locals.