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Since early October this year, the residents of Skardu city have been grappling with severe power cuts, with only about three hours of electricity available daily. This is occurring despite Gilgit-Baltistan’s remarkable hydropower potential: the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) estimates that 40000 MV of electricity could be generated from the region’s rivers and streams. Meanwhile, the region’s total electricity demand stands at 870MV.

The absence of well-researched hydro-energy projects has plunged the area into darkness. Many hydropower stations are built on small streams, which are highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters during summer and experience water shortages during winter. A robust power policy, designed on complete assessment of the region’s topography, is urgently needed to lift its desperate people out of their current predicament.

Ijlal Haider

Ghanche