CHITRAL: The representatives from civil society organizations in Chitral have emphasized the need for building resilient infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water supply schemes, and irrigation channels, to withstand natural disasters in the region.
Rehmat Elahi, chairman of Chitral Community Development Network (CCDN), an alliance of 21 development entities, expressed concern over the lack of consideration for adaptation and resilience in the design and planning of infrastructure projects for disaster-prone areas like Chitral.
Elahi pointed out that the planning departments, based in Peshawar or Islamabad, often overlook the unique topography and environment of the target area while preparing project designs.
He emphasized that building designs suitable for plain areas may not be appropriate for hilly terrains, and proper consideration of location and alignment is crucial in hilly regions to withstand floods, avalanches, and other natural hazards.
In addition, a former MPA Syed Sardar Hussain highlighted the devastating impact of flash floods in 2015, causing a loss of Rs. 16 billion to infrastructure in Chitral.
He urged authorities to conduct environmental impact studies and prioritize the resilience of projects to combat the effects of climate change and natural disasters in the region.
Source: DAWN
