Experts asked to identify flood-prone areas

G-B CM says govt will use recommendations to improve policy


Shabbir Mir September 18, 2015
G-B CM says govt will use recommendations to improve policy. PHOTO: INP

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman has urged experts to identify flood-prone areas and suggest measures to minimise losses triggered by natural calamities.

The announcement was made during a seminar organised in connection with an international conference on mountains and climate change at Karakoram International University (KIU) on Thursday. The three-day conference will conclude on Saturday. A large number of experts from across the world are attending the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahman said heavy rain and flash floods in the region have resulted in death and destruction. “The floods have resulted in losses worth Rs1.5 billion and pose challenges for the PML-N government that assumed public office earlier this year,” he said. “Experts need to help us identify valleys which are more vulnerable to flooding.”

Need of the hour

Rahman said deforestation is one of the most pressing challenges in the region. “However, the PML-N government will tackle this problem in an effective manner,” he said. “Over the next three years, we also plan on producing 300 megawatts of electricity in G-B.”

Creeping threat

Pakistan is facing losses worth billions of dollars due to climate change. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2012, the country has been ranked third among the countries affected by this phenomenon.

Speaking on the occasion, KIU Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Asif said glaciers in the region have started melting due to climate change.

“The Passu glacier has started to retreat over the last 30 years,” he added.  World Wide Fund for Nature Regional Head Dr Babar Khan said Kukuar, Baltar and Daintar glaciers have retreated 8 kilometres over the years.  “This is likely to threaten crop yield in future,” he said. “Climate change has altered agricultural patterns and reduced productivity. The risk of flooding has also increased. This will inevitably affect wildlife.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th,  2015.

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