By Syed Shams Uddin
The persistent lack of access to green energy in Gilgit city has plunged its residents into an environmental and public health crisis. The city, home to a growing population, faces the grim reality of widespread use of traditional and hazardous fuels for heating and cooking. This dire situation disproportionately impacts the economically disadvantaged, many of whom are forced to resort to burning plastics and other waste materials in their struggle to survive, especially during the long, bitter winters. The repercussions of this practice extend beyond individual households, blanketing the city in a dense haze of smoke and posing severe environmental and health risks.
Fuelwood remains the primary source of energy for most households in Gilgit. However, this reliance on wood is not only unsustainable but also deeply damaging. Deforestation in the surrounding regions has accelerated, depriving the area of its natural beauty and ecological balance. The excessive harvesting of wood leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters such as floods and landslides. Moreover, the combustion of wood releases significant amounts of particulate matter and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and degrading air quality.
For the poorest residents, the situation is even more precarious. Unable to afford even basic fuelwood, they turn to burning plastics, rubber, and other non-biodegradable waste. These materials, when incinerated, emit a cocktail of toxic substances, including dioxins, furans, and heavy metals. The impact of this toxic exposure is devastating for public health. Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are alarmingly common, particularly among children and the elderly. Eye infections and skin problems are also prevalent, as the population is subjected to prolonged exposure to harmful pollutants.
The smoky haze that perpetually engulfs Gilgit city is more than a visual blight; it is a silent killer. Experts warn that the levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air far exceed safe limits. These pollutants not only exacerbate respiratory conditions but also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and even cancer. Pregnant women and newborns are especially vulnerable, with studies linking air pollution to low birth weight, developmental delays, and other long-term health issues.
Beyond the immediate health implications, the environmental impact of this crisis cannot be overstated. The fragile ecosystem of Gilgit-Baltistan, already reeling from the effects of climate change, faces further degradation. The melting of glaciers, a critical water source for the region, is accelerated by black carbon deposits from the smoke. This phenomenon contributes to glacial retreat, threatening water security and increasing the frequency of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the area. The region's unique flora and fauna are also at risk, as pollution and habitat destruction disrupt delicate ecological balances.
Despite the severity of the crisis, meaningful action to address the lack of green energy remains elusive. Experts and activists emphasize that the root of the problem lies in the absence of affordable and sustainable energy alternatives. Solar power, hydropower, and biogas technologies have immense potential in Gilgit-Baltistan, given the region's abundant natural resources. However, the implementation of these solutions has been slow, hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of political will, and inadequate funding.
Solar energy, for instance, could transform the energy landscape of Gilgit city. With an average of over 300 sunny days a year, the region is ideally suited for harnessing solar power. Subsidizing solar panels and home-based solar heating systems for low-income households could significantly reduce dependence on traditional fuels. Similarly, micro-hydropower projects, which leverage the region's network of streams and rivers, could provide clean and reliable electricity to communities. Biogas plants, utilizing agricultural and organic waste, offer another viable solution, particularly for rural areas where livestock farming is prevalent.
Addressing this multifaceted crisis requires a coordinated and inclusive approach. The government must prioritize green energy initiatives in its development agenda, allocating sufficient resources and incentivizing private sector investment. International organizations and development partners should also be engaged to provide technical expertise and financial support. Education and awareness campaigns are crucial to encouraging behavioral changes and promoting the adoption of clean energy technologies among the population.
Moreover, a robust policy framework is essential to ensure the success of these initiatives. Regulations must be put in place to curb deforestation and the burning of hazardous materials, coupled with strict enforcement mechanisms. At the same time, social safety nets should be strengthened to support the most vulnerable segments of society, ensuring equitable access to green energy solutions.
The plight of Gilgit city’s residents is a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. The current trajectory is not only unsustainable but also incompatible with the region's aspirations for development and environmental preservation. By investing in green energy, the city can break free from the cycle of pollution and poverty, offering its residents a healthier and more dignified future. In doing so, Gilgit can also set an example for other mountainous regions grappling with similar challenges, demonstrating the transformative power of clean and renewable energy.
In conclusion, the smoky haze enveloping Gilgit city symbolizes a deeper crisis of neglect and inequity. It underscores the pressing need for systemic change to address the energy needs of its population in an environmentally sustainable manner. The time for action is now; the health of the city’s inhabitants and the preservation of its unique natural heritage depend on it.
A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...
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