Gilgit-Baltistan Plans to Set Up New Glacier Protection Authority

The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government is considering establishing a dedicated Glacier Protection Authority to protect the region’s nearly 700 glaciers and coordinate climate resilience efforts.

GB Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Azar disclosed the plan during a meeting with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

The meeting focused on preparations for glacial lake outburst floods, commonly known as GLOFs, cloudbursts and flash floods ahead of the monsoon season.

The chief minister said scientific research and stronger institutional capacity were essential to address the growing impact of climate change in Gilgit-Baltistan.

He also called for universities across the region to introduce specialized faculties or academic programs related to glaciers. The proposed programs would help develop local expertise in glaciology, climate science and disaster risk management.

Azar directed the relevant authorities to immediately engage with the vice chancellors of universities in Gilgit Baltistan to begin work on the initiative.

He also instructed local disaster management officials to ensure the uninterrupted operation of early warning systems in vulnerable areas to help prevent the loss of life.

Taking notice of the failure to clear flood channels before the flood season, the chief minister ordered the Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority to formulate a region-wide policy for the timely desilting and maintenance of drainage channels.

The policy is expected to help reduce damage and losses caused by floods and other natural disasters.

Azar also expressed concern over delays in reopening highways after disasters and directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to strengthen its emergency response mechanism.

He said the NHA should maintain a round-the-clock response capability throughout the flood season to ensure uninterrupted road connectivity.

The chief minister further directed the provincial home secretary to arrange land in Skardu for the establishment of an NDMA warehouse, which would strengthen emergency response capacity in the Baltistan region.