Gilgit-Baltistan considers Glacier Protection Authority

ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Azar has proposed specialised glacier-related academic programmes at universities across the region and said his government is considering the creation of a Glacier Protection Authority as it steps up preparations for climate-related risks before the monsoon season.

The proposals came during a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat with National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, where officials reviewed preparedness for glacial lake outburst floods, cloudbursts and flash floods. Azar said scientific research and stronger institutional capacity were necessary to address the increasing effects of climate change in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Focus on research and institutional preparedness

Azar said Gilgit-Baltistan is home to nearly 700 glaciers and stressed that this made stronger research, disaster readiness and environmental governance particularly important. He instructed the relevant authorities to immediately involve vice chancellors of universities in Gilgit-Baltistan in launching glacier-related faculties or specialised academic programmes.

The proposed academic tracks are intended to build local expertise in glaciology, climate science and disaster risk management. The chief minister also said a Glacier Protection Authority was under consideration to protect glaciers and help coordinate climate resilience efforts in the region.

Directions on early warnings, drainage and roads

During the meeting, Azar directed local disaster management officials to ensure early warning systems remain operational without interruption in vulnerable areas so that lives can be protected during extreme weather events.

He also took notice of a failure to clear flood channels before the start of the flood season and ordered the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority to prepare a region-wide policy for timely desilting and maintenance of drainage channels aimed at reducing losses during natural disasters.

Expressing concern over delays in reopening highways after disasters, the chief minister said the National Highway Authority should strengthen its emergency response system and maintain round-the-clock readiness throughout the flood season to keep transport links open.

Skardu warehouse plan

Azar also directed the provincial home secretary to ensure provision of land in Skardu for an NDMA warehouse, a step intended to improve emergency response capacity in Baltistan.