Climate activist calls for action against illegal glacier cutting

PESHAWAR: Climate activist Tariq Afghan has urged the director general of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to take immediate action against the illegal cutting and commercial exploitation of glaciers in the regions of Dir, Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Kaghan, Naran, and other parts of the province.

In a letter to the DG EPA, Afghan highlighted that these activities violated environmental protection statutes and pose a significant threat to the ecosystem. Glaciers in these areas are vital for local water resources and agricultural sustainability, supporting unique habitats for various species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to approximately 3,050 glaciers, primarily in its northern regions. Unauthorised extraction and transportation of glacier ice for commercial purposes have led to the rapid depletion of these critical natural resources.

Afghan outlined several severe implications of these illegal activities, including violation of environmental laws, disruption of the ecological balance, acceleration of global warming, and significant threats to water availability and local economies.

Afghan emphasised that Pakistan is a signatory to international treaties like the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, which mandate the protection of ecosystems, including glaciers. He called on the EPA to conduct a thorough investigation into illegal glacier cutting activities, enforce environmental protection laws, launch awareness campaigns, and promote sustainable practices for glacier conservation.

He expressed hope that the EPA would recognise the severity of this issue and take prompt, decisive action to protect and preserve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s natural resources for sustainable development and environmental health.