SPECIAL REPORT
GILGIT: Behind the breathtaking glaciers and towering peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan lies a silent killer—indoor air pollution. While the region is famed for its pristine environment, the air inside thousands of homes has become dangerously toxic, posing severe health risks to residents.
A recent study conducted by scholars from Karakoram International University and the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed alarmingly high levels of indoor air pollution (IAP) in high-altitude villages, significantly endangering public health.
“Traditional household energy sources—such as wood, animal dung, and agricultural residues—act as the primary culprits behind poor indoor air quality,” read the finding of research. These villages struggle with basic energy needs, forcing residents to burn solid fuels that compromise indoor air quality. According to the study, over 90pc of the population in these remote areas depends on solid fuels. This has led to dangerously high concentrations of particulate matter (PM . ) and carbon monoxide (CO) inside homes, exceeding Pakistan’s National Environmental Quality Standards by up to five and three times, respectively.
The problem is further complicated as 65pc of households lack proper ventilation. Consequently, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are rampant, with common symptoms including persistent morning cough (17%), eye irritation (15%), bronchitis (14%), and heart disease (11%). “The study underscores how socioeconomic and geographic factors influence energy consumption in these isolated communities,” said Director EPA, Khadim Hussain.
Researchers urge the government to take immediate action, including awareness campaigns, promoting cleaner fuel options, and subsidizing alternatives such as hydropower, LPG, and solar energy. Additionally, upgrading heating systems and ensuring regular stove maintenance could help reduce health risks. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to more than 6,500 glaciers, which cover an area of 13,214 sq km. Snow melting at higher altitudes because of global warming is contributing to glacier recession and frequent GLOF events. These glaciers contribute to 70% water of the Indus River, which is crucial for irrigation and supporting Pakistan’s agriculture. Increased glacial melting rates can possibly hamper food production in the country too.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) aims at bridging Pakistan and China with global markets through infrastructure and development, which would consequently result in a higher carbon footprint in Gilgit-Baltistan as well. Incorporating and initiating disaster mitigation and sustainable development projects within CPEC for Gilgit-Baltistan would significantly reduce the environmental threats the region faces.
The unpredictability of GLOFs and flash floods make the conditions vulnerable in the region. According to the United Nations Development Program, a total of 3,044 glacial lakes — formed due to the rapid melting of glaciers — were found in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in 2022. Floods in Gilgit-Baltistan usually cause road blockages and destruction of infrastructure, including homes, hampering the free flow of goods and people.
In the year 2022, different districts in Gilgit-Baltistan experienced devastating floods. For example, only in Ghizer, more than 200 houses were completely or partially damaged by floods, and human causalities were around 20. According to Gilgit-Baltistan disaster management authority’s officer Khawja Jawad, some 50,000 people were forced to migrate from their homes due to the floods, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs10 billion.
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