Minister Malik seeks report on climate change impact in Baltistan

GILGIT: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Musadik Malik has sought a detailed report regarding the impacts of climate change on the local population in Baltistan.

The directive came during the minister’s visit to Shigar district, where he reviewed various initiatives under the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF-II) Project.

The minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

During the visit, the minister reviewed various projects under the GLOF-II (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) Project in Shigar Valley, including the installation of early warning systems, protective embankments, and other related initiatives.

He also assessed the damage caused to local communities due to glacier melt and glacial lake outburst floods.

On this occasion, Baltistan Division Commissioner Kamal Khan, Shigar Deputy Commissioner Waliullah Falahi, Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDA) Director General Zakir Hussain, and GLOF Project Coordinator Rasheeduddin briefed the delegation on the progress and impacts of the ongoing GLOF-II project.

The federal minister also met with local residents to learn about their concerns and challenges.

He instructed Shigar Deputy Commissioner and Baltistan Division Commissioner to submit a detailed report regarding the impacts of climate change on the local population in the region.

Earlier, Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani briefed the federal minister about Gilgit-Baltistan’s climate vulnerability, glacial melting, and its adverse impacts on the lives and livelihoods of the local communities.

She also briefed him about the aims and objectives of the GLOF-II project and its impacts in mitigating climate vulnerabilities and protecting lives and livelihoods from the glacial lake outburst floods.

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Senator Malik appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders, the Gilgit-Baltistan government, and local administration in building resilience against the recurring incidents of glacial lake outburst floods.