Normalcy returns to G-B as main arteries reopen after landslides

GILGIT: Life is gradually returning to normal as the main roads in Gilgit-Baltistan—Karakoram Highway (KKH), Shahrah-e-Baltistan, and Astore Valley Road—connecting the region to the rest of the country have been reopened for traffic following days of closure due to heavy snowfall and landslides.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) announced that the KKH was reopened for all types of vehicles early Tuesday, while Shahrah-e-Baltistan and Astore Valley Road were made accessible for light traffic on Wednesday. “Efforts are ongoing to fully clear these routes to ensure two-way traffic can resume smoothly,” GBDMA said.

The spells of heavy rain and snowfall that began on February 29 have led to mudflows and blockages at over 35 locations on KKH, severely impacting the flow of traffic and commerce. The Shahrah-e-Baltistan, another crucial link in the region’s transportation network, was blocked at over 10 locations. Similarly, heavy snowfall blocked the Astore Valley Road at several places.

However, the region’s air connectivity with other parts of the country remains suspended, as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has not yet resumed its flights to Islamabad from Gilgit and Skardu. However, PIA is expected to resume daily flights to and from Islamabad starting March 10 after Skardu Airport authorities clear the runways of snow.

CM for making Shahrah-e-Baltistan landslide-free

In light of the recurring blockages and the risks posed by landslides and heavy rock falls, especially on Shahrah-e-Baltistan, formerly known as Juglote-Skardu Road, Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has penned a special communication to the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.

He highlighted the dangers at certain sections of the Shahrah-e-Baltistan due to sliding and falling rocks. Emphasizing the road’s importance not just for civilian transportation but also for its strategic significance, Khan has sought an immediate allocation of Rs 10 billion to construct protective shades over the landslide-prone areas of Shahrah-e-Baltistan to safeguard lives.

The chief minister noted that since the inception of the road, more than 100 passengers had lost their lives due to frequent landslides and heavy rock falls, primarily caused by the overhanging strata.
“These blockages lead to significant disturbances in the supply chain, resulting in shortages of essential commodities and other necessities for the residents of the Baltistan region.

Besides, it has also hampered tourist flow to the beautiful valley of Baltistan,” he said.

Moreover, he said, the uninterrupted functionality of Shahrah-e-Baltistan is crucial from a defence standpoint, considering the sensitive geopolitical dynamics of the region. Khan mentioned that all elected representatives from the GB Assembly, hailing from the Baltistan division, have urged the Federal government to address this issue promptly.

Given the gravity of the situation, the chief minister requested immediate allocation of funds to improve and reinforce Shahrah-e-Baltistan’s infrastructure. “Engineers of the National High Authority have submitted a proposal for the re-enforcement of the highway through a special engineering structure, which would require an additional allocation of Rs 10 billion,'” Khan added.