Greening Urbanization in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Vision Rooted in Simplicity and Sustainability

By Syed Shams Uddin As global awareness grows around the threats of climate change, countries like China have begun implementing radical solutions such as forest cities — urban spaces where buildings are covered with thousands of trees and plants to mitigate air pollution and rising temperatures. While such grand innovations may seem out of reach for economically modest regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, their underlying philosophy — that of integrating nature into urban design — is deeply relevant, perhaps even essential, for our part of the world. The environmental challenges faced by Gilgit-Baltistan are stark and immediate. Once characterized by clean mountain air, glacial rivers, and green valleys, many parts of the region are now under siege from unplanned urban expansion, haphazard construction, and the rapid loss of vegetation. Increasing tourist influx, combined with infrastructure pressures and population growth, has led to the mushrooming of concrete dwellings — often at the expense of native trees, shrubs, and arable land. In this context, it is worth asking: Can we not adopt even the least expensive and simplest innovations to ensure that development in Gilgit-Baltistan doesn’t come at the cost of environmental ruin? A Modest Proposal: A Tree for Every Building The least that our civic authorities and town planners can do — and indeed must do — is to introduce a region-wide Master Plan under which every new dwelling or concrete structure must be accompanied by the planting of at least one or two trees within the property’s boundary, or immediately adjacent to it. This basic green obligation, if written into local building bylaws and enforced with seriousness, can gradually transform our increasingly concrete towns into green, breathable spaces. It is a solution well within reach — low-cost, sustainable, and community-based — that allows citizens to participate in climate action at the micro level. Why This Matters for Gilgit-Baltistan Land Scarcity Meets Ecological Fragility Unlike large cities in the plains, Gilgit-Baltistan’s habitable land is limited by its rugged terrain. Expansion inevitably consumes scarce flatlands, leading to ecological imbalance. Integrating greenery into existing compounds offers a way to compensate for lost natural cover without requiring additional land. Climate Change Hotspot Glacial melt, erratic weather, and drying springs are already impacting the region. Trees provide natural cooling, reduce soil erosion, and help maintain the hydrological balance — all crucial in a climate-sensitive mountainous region. Air Quality and Heat Regulation As population and vehicular traffic increase, towns like Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Chilas are experiencing warmer summers and dustier environments. Trees filter the air, trap dust, and create localized cooling zones — a natural remedy for urban discomfort. Biodiversity Support Native trees attract birds, pollinators, and insects essential to local agriculture and ecosystem health. Urban greenery becomes a safe haven for the region’s threatened biodiversity. Implementable and Innovative Low-Cost Actions To support this tree-planting requirement, a series of simple but effective measures can be undertaken: Vertical Gardening and Wall Climbing Plants: Encourage homes to grow vines, climbers, and small trees along boundary walls and balconies using local materials and recycled containers. Rooftop Greening: Promote the use of rooftops for soil-beds or potted plants, supported by minor structural reinforcements and public guidance. Community Sapling Banks: Establish nurseries that provide free or subsidized saplings, focusing on native species like apricot, poplar, willow, mulberry, and sea buckthorn, which are well-suited to local soil and water conditions. Youth-Led Green Brigades: Mobilize schoolchildren and college students to adopt street trees, participate in plantation drives, and compete in “Green Home” initiatives at the neighborhood level. Public Incentives and Fast-Track Approvals: Offer municipal incentives or faster building approval processes to those who comply with green requirements and go beyond them. Religious and Cultural Messaging: Frame tree planting as a religious and cultural duty. Mosques, religious schools, and community elders can play a vital role in changing public attitudes by linking greenery with ethics, heritage, and collective responsibility. A Vision for Urban Master Planning in GB Local governments and civic bodies must begin drafting a Regional Urban Environmental Policy that includes: Mandatory Tree Quotas for New Construction Green Infrastructure Guidelines Rainwater Harvesting and Soil Restoration Measures Monitoring and Accountability Mechanisms Instead of resisting regulation, builders and citizens alike must embrace the fact that environmental responsibility is no longer optional — it is the only way to safeguard the health, culture, and economy of the region. A Legacy for Generations In a land where even small green spaces once held communal and spiritual significance, it is time to reclaim that relationship with nature. As we build homes, schools, shops, and hotels to meet today’s needs, let us not forget the silent contract we owe future generations — a contract to leave behind not just more buildings, but more trees. By encouraging every home to plant just a tree or two, we can seed a movement. From the streets of Danyore to the alleys of Gahkuch, from the courtyards of Khaplu to the rooftops of Karimabad, Gilgit-Baltistan can become a living mosaic of greenery, nourished by the hands of its own people. [The writer is a social observer from Gilgit-Baltistan with a deep interest in sustainable development, ecological preservation, and cultural heritage. He writes frequently on issues facing mountain communities in the age of climate change.]