Workshop on GLOFs, Risk Reduction, held in Gilgit
by Asghar Khan
Gilgit, Agust 23: A one – day workshop on Regional Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), discussing ‘ Risk Reduction’ strategies in the Hindukuch, Karakuram and Himalaya Regions, was held at Gilgit Serena Hotel. A large number of people attended the workshop included Babar Yaqoob, Chief Secretary NAs, Sardar Mohammad Abbas NAs, Home Secretary, Mehboob Ali Khan, Secretary Education NAs, Deputy commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, Magistrates of Northern Areas, representatives of FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance, Red Crescent, WWF and IUCN. Project update briefing was given by Amber Masud a representative of UNDP. Chief Secretary appreciated the projects initiated by UNDP and European Commission Humanitarian Aid in the region.
The Regional GLOF Risk Reduction Project, funded by DIPECHO and UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR), aims to address the risks posed by GLOFs in the Himalaya Karakoram Hindukush (HKH) region comprising India, Pakistan Nepal and Bhutan thought strengthening non-structural and community-based approaches.
Two glaciers in the Hunza River Basin have been identified for conducting baseline studies.
Thanks PT for this up-date. It is a good notion towards GLOF risk reduction and particularly the involvement of Government officials and local community members. However, through this news blog,
I would like to remind the high official from government of Northern areas and elected representatives that so far the victims of GLOF of Ghulkin (Chat ghost) are still waiting for their positive responses. Especially the issue was highlighted in electronic and print media and even by the NALA and National Assembly. But the deserving people and the entire community is still suffering.
Currently the situation is worst then ever. For, instance the broken road is in its terrible condition and. the local farmers are suffering to transport their only cash crop to the market, while the water channels were restored for emergency purposes by the local people and need to restore them properly.
I do hope UNDP will make proper advocacy in giving awareness to the emergency preparedness program and motivate to the government officials and public representatives to put their efforts on the rehabilitation of the affected people and restoration of the infrastructure.
Thanks and regards
Sharif Khan