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Safeguarding Pakistan’s Glaciers: Urgent Actions for Climate Resilience

By Syed Shams Uddin Safeguarding Pakistan’s Glaciers: A Call to Urgent Action The rapid glacial melt in Pakistan’s northern highlands—especially in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral—poses a growing threat to the country’s water security, ecological stability, and the wellbeing of mountain communities. As global temperatures rise, the retreat of glaciers is accelerating, heightening the risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), erratic river flows, and long-term water shortages. The recent visit by the Federal Minister for Climate Change to Gilgit-Baltistan highlights the gravity of this crisis. It underscores the urgent need for immediate and coordinated action, especially considering that the environmental pulse of Pakistan is intrinsically linked to the ecological health of Gilgit-Baltistan—the primary source of the Indus River. 1. Strengthen Glacier Monitoring and Early Warning Systems To effectively address the growing threats from glacial retreat, robust monitoring and early warning mechanisms must be established: Expand glacier monitoring networks through the use of remote sensing, satellite imagery, and ground-based observation stations. Develop early warning systems tailored for GLOFs to alert at-risk communities, enabling timely evacuation and risk reduction. Enhance weather forecasting capabilities to improve predictions of precipitation, temperature variations, and their effects on glacial dynamics. 2. Implement GLOF Risk Reduction and Mitigation Measures GLOFs have already caused severe damage in Pakistan’s mountainous regions. Proactive measures must be taken to reduce these risks: Artificially drain unstable glacial lakes identified as high-risk to prevent sudden breaches. Reinforce critical infrastructure—including roads, bridges, and settlements—to withstand glacial floods. Develop glacial lake hazard maps and risk zoning to better inform community preparedness and planning. 3. Promote Water Conservation and Smart Management As glaciers shrink, the flow of water into the Indus River system becomes less predictable. To build water resilience: Construct small reservoirs and check dams to store excess glacial meltwater for use during dry periods. Upgrade irrigation systems with efficient technologies like drip and sprinkler irrigation to minimize water wastage. Revive indigenous water management systems such as karez and glacier grafting, which have sustained communities for generations. Build mini-reservoirs in upstream valleys to manage sedimentation and ensure a regulated supply to large dams like Diamer-Basha and Dasu. 4. Restore Forests and Fragile Ecosystems Environmental degradation further weakens glacier systems. Protecting mountain ecosystems is vital: Launch large-scale afforestation drives, planting native species that stabilize soils and regulate local microclimates. Support alpine ecosystem restoration to preserve biodiversity, sustain natural water cycles, and stabilize glacial environments. Enforce regulations against deforestation and overgrazing, which accelerate erosion and glacial degradation. 5. Reduce Carbon Emissions and Environmental Footprint Combating glacier melt in the long term requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm: Transition to renewable energy sources—hydropower, solar, and wind—to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Phase out diesel and petrol vehicles in Gilgit-Baltistan in favor of electric vehicles. Introduce sustainable tourism practices, including regulated visitor numbers, proper waste management, and eco-friendly transport in sensitive regions. 6. Strengthen Climate Adaptation Policies and Governance Sound governance and policy frameworks are essential for building climate resilience: Formulate region-specific climate adaptation policies focusing on water security, disaster preparedness, and ecological protection. Ensure meaningful participation of local communities in policy decisions, drawing on indigenous knowledge and practices. Mobilize international climate financing for glacier conservation and adaptation projects. 7. Empower Communities through Awareness and Resilience Building Communities living near glaciers are the first to face climate impacts. Empowering them is key: Provide training programs on disaster preparedness, including evacuation protocols for floods and GLOFs. Promote climate-resilient livelihoods such as agroforestry, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism. Develop insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms to cushion communities against glacial disasters. In sum, Pakistan’s glaciers are more than scenic marvels—they are the lifeblood of the nation, feeding the Indus River that sustains agriculture, drinking water, and energy production for millions. The accelerated pace of glacial melt presents a clear and present danger. Without immediate, strategic, and sustained intervention, the country could face recurring disasters, crippling water shortages, and irreversible ecological decline. A comprehensive, multi-pronged approach—rooted in science, policy, and community action—is not just necessary, it is urgent. Now is the time to act boldly to protect our glaciers and secure a sustainable future for the generations to come.

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