The first time I visited Gilgit Baltistan, I found the countryside lovely. The mountain heights, rivers, and valleys appeared like the current civilisation had not invaded them. I stood in an area I could compare to a paradise where nature, specifically trees, dominated the region. However, after spending some time there, I began to pay attention to something I had not anticipated – an environmental problem gradually developing in this deserted area. This led me to think that Gilgit-Baltistan has various environmental issues, unlike the beauty of the place.
A massive part of its water supply for agriculture, drinking, and hydroelectric power depends on the glaciers of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, climate change has further escalated the melting rate of these glaciers. The water they once enjoyed in the community could be more reliable, as well as floods during the summer and water scarcity during winter. Seeing the reverse process happen was rather startling for someone who had heard of glacier importance growing up.
Tourism has brought much-needed economic growth to Gilgit-Baltistan but comes with a heavy environmental cost. While I could see the joy in the faces of the locals as their businesses thrived, I could not help but notice how tourism has taken its toll on the region’s fragile ecosystem. The increased number of visitors means more vehicles, waste, and environmental pressure. I saw beautiful camping spots littered with garbage, rivers polluted by non-biodegradable waste, and trees cut down to make space for new hotels.
As for me, seeing the problems people of Gilgit-Baltistan faced in terms of environmental concerns made me realise that something needed to be done at once. Enhancing waste collection and disposal, improving the regulatory mechanisms for constructing activities, and promoting ecologically friendly tourism measures are unavoidable. As the government aims to develop the economy, the local government and communiti
