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Reimagining Water and Drainage Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future

By Syed Shams Uddin As highlighted by D-TV on July 7, 2025 the fast-expanding township of Danyore, once a serene agricultural locality, is now facing the complex realities of rapid urbanization. The core issues troubling its residents, especially those concerning water management, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure, were aptly highlighted by D-TV's special coverage on July 7, 2025. These are not isolated challenges but symptoms of a broader environmental transformation—one that demands urgent policy response and sustainable planning.This invariabkly remains the case with other localities surrounding Gilgit city which are getting fast concretized under immense demographic pressures sans any town-planning. Climate Change and Glacial Melt: Danyore Not Immune The accelerating pace of climate change has led to widespread glacial retreat across Gilgit-Baltistan. Danyore, lying at the gateway to the upper Himalayan basin, is now witnessing increasingly erratic and sediment-heavy water flows. Once stable, the silt-laden irrigation streams are now prone to sudden blockages, causing frequent disruptions in water distribution. Water reservoirs situated at the head of the township are routinely choked with glacial debris,exceeding alluvium or alluvial deposits requiring repeated manual clearance. This not only strains local resources but also points to the unsuitability of outdated irrigation systems in the face of changing environmental dynamics. A Call for Comprehensive Waterscape Reassessment These recurring disruptions signal the urgent need to rethink the entire waterscape of Danyore. What is required is: A scientific hydrological survey needs be conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to design a modern, sustainable, and climate-resilient irrigation and potable water framework. This framework must align with a broader Master Plan that accounts for future urban growth and integrates eco-friendly water management solutions. It should include sediment filtration, reengineered channel networks, and resilient reservoir systems suited to glacial-fed water sources. Sewerage & Drainage: The Overlooked Crisis While much attention is given to water supply, the absence of a proper drainage and sewerage system in Danyore is emerging as a silent crisis. As the township grows and climate patterns shift, the lack of an engineered drainage infrastructure could result in: Frequent urban flooding, Contamination of water supplies, And serious public health risks. What becomes imperative, therefore, is to conceive and execute a modern sewerage and stormwater drainage system—a mechanism attuned to the environmental demands of the present and robust enough to serve the future. Such a system must be: Scalable, Environmentally safe, Integrated with land-use planning, And capable of managing seasonal runoff and wastewater effectively. The Way Forward: Master Planning for Urban Resilience The challenges facing Danyore are not insurmountable—but they are urgent. Piecemeal repairs and short-term fixes will not suffice. What is needed is a long-term, multi-disciplinary approach involving: Urban planners, Environmental scientists, Local governance bodies, and Civil society stakeholders. The creation of a climate-conscious Master Plan, rooted in data and environmental foresight, is essential if Danyore and all localities in close contiguity to Gilgit cir with a view to transform them into a resilient, livable, and sustainable urban center of the future. Conclusion: From Crisis to Opportunity The evolving challenges in Danyore present not only risks but also an opportunity: to lead by example in how rapidly growing towns in mountainous regions can adapt to climate change. With timely action, visionary planning, and sincere implementation, Danyore can become a model of eco-urban transformation in Gilgit-Baltistan.

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