The Importance of Public Spaces in Land-Scarce Gilgit-Baltistan

Syed Shams Uddin The Importance of Public Spaces in Land-Scarce Gilgit-Baltistan and Strategies for Sustainable Urban Development Introduction Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, is witnessing rapid urbanization. As populations grow in key cities such as Gilgit, Skardu, Chilas,Hunza,Nagar and Ghizar, the demand for residential, commercial, and infrastructural development has intensified. However, given the region’s mountainous terrain and limited flat land, urban expansion has led to a severe shortage of public spaces. This article highlights the significance of public spaces in G-B and proposes solutions for sustainable urban development. Regardless of the immense significance of public spaces in the lives of the inhabitants of urbanized places, no heed has ever been paid to this crucial aspect by the authorities insofar as securing the traditional ones like 'beyaks', 'polo grounds,' etc. across Gilgit-Baltistan, let alone establishing public parks in each locality with a dense population. It pains one to notice that with the onset of urbanization across the region, the population has been insensitively and rather lackadaisically allowed to sprawl in the absence of a Master Plan, which has by this time resulted in a suffocative atmosphere ad nauseam. Why Public Spaces Matter in Gilgit-Baltistan Public spaces are essential for fostering social cohesion, improving quality of life, and enhancing the environmental resilience of urban areas. In G-B, where urban expansion is often unregulated, the lack of parks, green belts, and public plazas has led to congested settlements, limited recreational opportunities, and environmental degradation. 1. Social Cohesion & Community Well-being Public spaces serve as communal gathering areas where people from diverse backgrounds interact and build social ties. In a region with rich cultural traditions, open spaces can host festivals, local markets, and cultural events, strengthening community bonds. For youth, the presence of safe outdoor spaces offers an alternative to spending time in traffic-congested streets. 2. Environmental & Climate Resilience Urban green spaces play a crucial role in mitigating climate change effects by reducing urban heat, preventing soil erosion, and improving air quality. G-B is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, including landslides and flash floods. Well-planned public spaces, including green buffers along riverbanks, can reduce disaster risks. Maintaining forests and green belts within cities enhances biodiversity and helps sustain ecological balance. 3. Health & Mental Well-being The absence of designated parks means children are forced to play in unsafe and often polluted environments. Public spaces provide areas for physical activity, reducing the risk of lifestyle-related illnesses such as obesity and heart disease. Green spaces also promote mental well-being, helping to counteract the stress associated with urban life. 4. Economic & Tourism Benefits Well-designed public spaces enhance the aesthetic appeal of cities, attracting both domestic and international tourists. Open-air markets and pedestrian-friendly zones boost local economies by providing spaces for vendors, artisans, and small businesses. Investing in public spaces can increase property values, contributing to sustainable urban economic growth. Challenges Hindering Public Space Development in G-B Despite the undeniable benefits, multiple challenges hinder the creation and preservation of public spaces in the region: Scarcity of Land: The rugged topography of G-B leaves limited flat land available for development, with most areas already occupied by residential or commercial structures. Encroachments & Unplanned Urbanization: Rapid, unregulated urban growth has led to the loss of traditional open spaces to unauthorized construction. Weak Implementation of Policies: While urban development plans exist, poor enforcement and governance issues often result in haphazard development. Infrastructure Overload: The increasing number of vehicles and road expansion projects prioritize vehicular movement over pedestrian-friendly spaces, further reducing land availability for public use. Lack of Awareness & Community Involvement: There is limited public advocacy for green spaces, and many urban residents remain unaware of their significance. Strategies to Address the Public Space Crisis in G-B To ensure sustainable and livable cities in Gilgit-Baltistan, authorities must adopt comprehensive planning strategies to reclaim, develop, and preserve public spaces. 1. Land Reclamation & Protection Identify and recover encroached public land for redevelopment as parks and recreational zones. Strictly enforce zoning regulations to prevent further encroachments and protect designated green spaces. Implement a Public Land Trust System, ensuring that designated areas remain safeguarded against future commercial development. 2. Integrated Urban Planning & Vertical Development Encourage high-rise residential buildings to optimize land use while allocating space for parks and public amenities. Introduce mixed-use development models, where commercial and residential areas incorporate shared public spaces. Develop eco-friendly satellite towns outside major cities to reduce congestion and preserve urban green areas. 3. Revitalization of Underutilized Spaces Transform abandoned government lands and neglected areas into parks, playgrounds, or community gardens. Revive historical sites and convert them into heritage parks, promoting cultural tourism while creating public spaces. Create riverfront promenades and pedestrian walkways, utilizing natural landscapes for recreational purposes. 4. Community Engagement & Public-Private Partnerships Involve local communities in public space design and maintenance, ensuring sustainability and inclusivity. Encourage corporate sponsorship and private sector investment in developing and maintaining green spaces. Establish a Public Spaces Task Force to oversee urban development, ensure policy implementation, and engage with stakeholders. 5. Enforcing Strict Urban Regulations Introduce policies that mandate green spaces in all new housing and commercial projects. Implement strict building codes that promote pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as wide sidewalks and public squares. Impose heavy penalties on illegal encroachments and reward landowners who contribute to urban greenery projects. 6. Infrastructure Overload and Urban Mobility Challenges: The rapid increase in vehicular traffic in Gilgit city, coupled with its narrow and unspacious road networks, has led to a transportation crisis. The city's infrastructure, originally designed for a smaller population and fewer vehicles, is struggling to accommodate the surge in traffic, particularly during peak hours. This shift has inadvertently prioritized vehicle movement over pedestrian-friendly spaces, significantly reducing land availability for public use, including sidewalks, parks, and communal areas. As roads become increasingly congested, pedestrian safety is compromised, and the lack of designated walkways forces people to navigate through traffic, heightening the risk of accidents. Moreover, unregulated roadside parking, encroachments, and the absence of efficient traffic management further exacerbate the situation, making urban mobility a daily challenge for residents. To address these pressing concerns, there is an urgent need for a well-structured urban transport strategy that focuses on: Expanding and Upgrading Road Networks – Widening key roads where feasible and improving alternative routes to distribute traffic more evenly. Pedestrian-Friendly Infrastructure – Developing proper sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and dedicated walking zones to ensure safe mobility for non-motorized commuters. Public Transport Enhancement – Introducing reliable and efficient public transportation options, such as shuttle buses or electric minibuses, to reduce reliance on private vehicles. Traffic Management Measures – Implementing smart traffic signals, designated parking areas, and strict enforcement of traffic regulations to ease congestion. Urban Planning and Zoning – Allocating specific areas for commercial, residential, and public use to prevent overcrowding of vehicles in central city zones. Promotion of Sustainable Transport – Encouraging the use of bicycles and eco-friendly transport solutions to minimize environmental impact. Without immediate intervention, the current trajectory of increasing traffic congestion will not only hinder economic activity but also diminish the quality of life for Gilgit’s residents. A proactive and integrated approach is crucial to ensure sustainable urban mobility while preserving public spaces for the community. To address this issue, it is imperative to introduce an efficient intra-city mass transit system. A metro bus service should be established, facilitating smooth and accessible public transport. The proposed route could extend from the central part of Gilgit towards Basin with metro bus stations at Amphari, Thopchar,and Basin in one direction, while on the other side, it should cover key areas such as Jutial, the Bus Stand, Sakwar, and Minawar. Such a system would not only alleviate traffic congestion but also promote sustainable urban mobility, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall quality of life in the city. Conclusion As Gilgit-Baltistan undergoes rapid urban transformation, preserving and expanding public spaces is crucial for sustainable urban living. Authorities must prioritize smart land-use policies, green urban planning, and community-driven initiatives to reclaim and protect public spaces. With the right policies and commitment, the region can achieve a balance between modern development and environmental preservation, ensuring that future generations enjoy the social, economic, and ecological benefits of well-designed public spaces. Investing in public spaces is not just about aesthetics—it is about creating healthier, more vibrant, and more resilient cities for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.