Gilgit-Baltistan, known for its snowy winters, faces a starkly different reality this season. Expected snow from December to January hasn’t arrived, leaving the mountains and usually snow-capped and barren areas. This unusual weather pattern is causing worry among local communities, especially those near the Indus River.
Environmental and Agricultural Risks
Residents like Subkhan Sohail from Astore, who usually experience heavy snowfall, noticed a significant decrease this year. This shortfall threatens the supply of glacier water, vital for drinking, agriculture, and power generation. Abbas Ali from Nagar notes the unusually dry weather impacting agriculture. The warm temperatures have even led to cancelling winter sports events.
Shahzad Shigri, director of the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GBEPA), finds the situation alarming. He points out the risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), flash floods, and harm to the agricultural system. Gilgit-Baltistan’s role as the “water tower of Pakistan” is crucial for the country’s agriculture and hydropower, meaning these changes have widespread implications.
GBEPA’s data shows a worrying trend: a 0.5 degrees Celsius increase in average annual temperature and an 8.5mm yearly decrease in precipitation. These shifts lead to erratic weather events like intense rain, droughts, and rapid glacier melting, adversely affecting residents. The increased frequency and intensity pose significant challenges for the region’s development goals.
