• CM announces specialised committee will draft authority’s framework• PMD warns of Glof risks in GB, KP amid fresh weather system; urges residents to avoid riverbanks, glacial lakes and vulnerable mountain areas; reports above-normal daytime temperatures in glaciated valleys• Disaster Management Authority says emergency plans and 174 early warning systems are in place
GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Advocate Amjad Hussain on Saturday announced the establishment of Glaciers Protection Authority to address growing climate change challenges in the region, protect glaciers and attract support from relevant international organisation.
Speaking during a departmental briefing by the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Forest and Wildlife Department, the chief minister said a specialised committee would be formed to prepare comprehensive recommendations for the establishment of the authority and present it at the relevant official forum.
“Forestry is important to mitigate climate change impacts and for protection of glaciers,” Mr Hussain said during the briefing.
The move comes as rapid glacier melting has deepened the environmental crisis in GB. Rising daytime temperatures have sharply increased water discharge and mudflows in regional rivers and streams, causing widespread damage in vulnerable downstream areas.
