G-B plans Glacier Protection Authority
Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Azar has called for the introduction of specialised academic programmes on glaciers at universities across the region, emphasising that scientific research and institutional capacity are essential to tackle the growing impacts of climate change.
During a meeting with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, the chief minister said his government was considering establishing a Glacier Protection Authority to safeguard glaciers and coordinate climate resilience initiatives.
The meeting reviewed preparedness measures against glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), cloudbursts and flash floods ahead of the monsoon season. Azar directed local disaster management officials to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of early warning systems to help save lives in vulnerable areas.
He noted that Gilgit-Baltistan is home to nearly 700 glaciers, making it imperative to strengthen research, disaster preparedness and environmental governance.
Azar directed the authorities to immediately engage vice chancellors of universities in Gilgit-Baltistan to introduce glacier-related faculties or specialised academic programmes aimed at developing local expertise in glaciology, climate science and disaster risk management.
Taking notice of the failure to clear flood channels before the onset of the flood season, he ordered the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) to formulate a region-wide policy for the timely desilting and maintenance of drainage channels to minimise losses during natural disasters.
Expressing concern over delays in reopening highways after disasters, Azar said the National Highway Authority (NHA) should improve its emergency response mechanism and maintain a round-the-clock response capability throughout the flood season to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
The chief minister also directed the provincial home secretary to ensure the provision of land in Skardu for the establishment of an NDMA warehouse to improve emergency response capacity in Baltistan.