GB CM, NDMA Chairman Discuss Climate Resilience, Flood Preparedness and Glacier Protection

GILGIT, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jul, 2026) Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Amjad Hussain Advocate and Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik on Sumday discussed comprehensive measures to strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigate the growing risks posed by climate change, including Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), cloudbursts and flash floods.

During a meeting at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Amjad Hussain stressed the need for the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) to ensure proper protection and maintenance of the installed early warning systems.

He also called for introducing glacier-related academic programmes and faculty in universities across Gilgit-Baltistan, saying vice chancellors would be approached to initiate the process.

The chief minister emphasized that all relevant institutions must take timely and coordinated measures to protect glaciers and reduce the impacts of climate change. Taking notice of the failure to clear streams before the flood season, he directed the concerned departments to formulate a policy for the timely cleaning of flood channels to minimize losses during natural disasters.

He also underscored the need to improve the National Highway Authority's (NHA) response time for clearing flood-affected sections of highways and directed that coordination be ensured so that the authority remains operational round the clock during the flood season.

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Highlighting that Gilgit-Baltistan is home to around 700 glaciers, the chief minister said the provincial government was considering the establishment of a Glacier Protection Authority to safeguard these vital natural resources. He also directed the provincial home secretary to ensure the availability of land in Skardu for the establishment of an NDMA warehouse.

Expressing concern over the Federal Flood Commission's failure to initiate projects at vulnerable river erosion and flood-hit sites in Gilgit-Baltistan, and its inadequate implementation of projects allocated for the region, the chief minister directed the home secretary to pursue the matter at the highest level to secure Gilgit-Baltistan's due share.

Speaking on the occasion, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik said that, on the special directives of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the NDMA was extending full cooperation to the Gilgit-Baltistan government in disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness.

He assured support for the training of Rescue 1122 personnel and the provision of resources to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority.

He further said the NDMA would provide technical assistance to provincial departments for glacier drainage and conservation efforts.