The forest and wildlife department of Gilgit-Baltistan has inaugurated the Solar Lift Irrigation Block Plantation Project. The project is implemented under the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) through the Rahimabad Local Support Organisation. The Forest department has planted trees in 10 districts in partnership with community organisations. It plans to plant about 10 million saplings under the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project (TBTTP). Also, the irrigation water has been lifted from the lower area through the solar system after the installation of 1600 feet long pipes.
According to the secretary of Gilgit’s Forest and Wildlife Department, the government provided saplings to AKRSP to plant in different areas with the help of residents. About 25,000 saplings had been planted over 150 kanals along the Karakoram Highway. Furthermore, the government is replicating the initiative in other districts of the region to mitigate the impacts of environmental degradation and ensure sustainable development.
The local government of Gilgit Baltistan also contributes to the execution of different tourist projects in the region. The local community organisations are also contributing to ensuring the growth of trees through regular provision of water to them and plantation of saplings in barren areas. Gilgit Baltistan can be at risk of environmental degradation due to the influx of tourists, so every hotel which operates in the concerned area should help protect the environment.
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