“Gilgit’s daily water demand stands at 1.2 million gallons, while its storage capacity is limited to just 500,000 gallons”
Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, a region in northern Pakistan known for its breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, and vast glaciers—earning it the title of the ‘Land of Glaciers’ – with more than 7,000 of them. Despite its natural abundance, the city is grappling with a severe water crisis due to outdated infrastructure, illegal water connections and weak regulatory oversight, leading to weak governance. Urban expansion and industrial pollution have further exacerbated the issue, forcing residents to rely on contaminated water sources. Without immediate action, this crisis threatens public health and the region’s long-term sustainability.
As the commercial and business hub of Gilgit-Baltistan’s ten districts, Gilgit City attracts people from surrounding areas seeking better livelihood opportunities. This growing population has placed immense pressure on the city’s limited resources, particularly its water supply. Both locals and migrants in Gilgit rely on various natural water sources to meet their daily needs. The primary water supply for neighbourhoods such as Amphary, Majini Mohalla, Nagral and Kashrote comes from Kargah Nala, while Jutial and Khomer depend on Jutial Nala. Similarly, Sakwar relies on Sakwar Nala, Baseen and Napura draw their water from Baseen Napura Nala, and Danyore sources its water from Danyore Nala. With much of the city dependent on these natural sources, ensuring sustainable water management has become a pressing challenge.
Despite its proximity to some of the world’s largest glaciers, Gilgit is struggling with a severe water crisis, and clean drinking water is becoming increasingly scarce. The water supply system in Gilgit City was originally designed in 2007, based on population estimates at the time. Since then, the city’s population has grown significantly, yet no substantial upgrades have been made to enhance water production and capacity. Most of the water supply is sourced from Kargah Nala, which was once a reliable source but has now become heavily contaminated due to the establishment of factories near the water source. These industrial units discharge waste that introduces harmful minerals and heavy metals into the water, making it unsafe for consumption. Reports indicate that nearly 70% of the drinking water in Gilgit City is contaminated and unfit for consumption (PCRWR, 2023).
Other high-altitude cities have successfully addressed similar challenges. For example, Ladakh, India, uses an artificial glacier system to store excess winter water in ice reservoirs for use during dry months
The deteriorating supply network further exacerbates the crisis. Water is supplied through an aging pipeline system that is prone to leaks and breakages, allowing contamination to enter the supply. The water from Kargah Nala is stored in large tanks in the Barmas area before being distributed across the city. However, reports indicate that due to poor maintenance, these storage tanks often accumulate debris, dead rodents, and other contaminants. The pipelines supplying water across the city have multiple leakages, allowing environmental pollutants to mix with the drinking water. Additionally, manholes and drainage systems frequently become clogged due to inadequate cleaning, further worsening water quality.
As a result, poor water management has led to concern over rising waterborne diseases in Gilgit. Hospitals are reporting an increasing number of cases of liver infections, kidney diseases, and even cancer, attributed to prolonged exposure to contaminated water. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has declared that the drinking water quality in Gilgit-Baltistan is unsafe. Despite this alarming situation, authorities have made little effort to implement large-scale filtration and purification projects.
Gilgit civil society must take a more active role in ensuring water security. Raising awareness about conservation, establishing community water management boards, promoting household solutions such as rainwater harvesting, advocating for policy reforms, and preserving traditional water distribution practices are crucial steps toward sustainable water management. Additionally, addressing governance failures is essential. There is no proper complaints office at the mohalla (neighbourhood) level where citizens can report water-related issues. Moreover, some WASA’s departmental staff, in collusion with contractors, are involved in distributing illegal connections for self-interest. These unauthorised connections contribute to supply shortages and unfair distribution. Water supply in Gilgit is also influenced by sectarian and political interests rather than being allocated based on actual need. The residents of Amphary, Kashrote, Majini Mohalla, and Sonikot have historical rights over Karga Nala’s water, yet unauthorised diversion to other areas exacerbates shortages, further straining an already limited resource.
Gilgit’s water infrastructure has not been upgraded since 2007. The Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) commissioned National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) to conduct a feasibility study for a project aimed at ensuring safe drinking water and upgrading the city’s infrastructure. However, the study itself cost PKR 9.5 billion, and due to political and bureaucratic indifference, the project was never included in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). Similarly, the Gilgit Development Authority (GDA) proposed a PKR 500 million project for a 12-inch pipeline from Kargah to the Barmas Complex to increase capacity, but it remains stuck in the planning department due to a lack of political will.
Gilgit’s daily water demand stands at 1.2 million gallons, while its storage capacity is limited to just 500,000 gallons. This stark imbalance highlights the urgent need for infrastructure expansion and sustainable water management solutions. Lessons from other high-altitude cities offer potential solutions. The implementation of artificial glaciers to store excess water during the winter months could help manage seasonal shortages, while urban planning must ensure construction avoids natural water channels. Additionally, rainwater harvesting should be scaled up, even in cold regions, to maximise water conservation. Community engagement in water monitoring and conservation efforts is equally crucial to ensuring long-term water security.
Other high-altitude cities have successfully addressed similar challenges. For example, Ladakh, India, uses an artificial glacier system to store excess winter water in ice reservoirs for use during dry months. Similarly, La Paz, Bolivia, has implemented rainwater harvesting and enforced strict urban zoning laws to protect its water sources. These models provide valuable insights that Gilgit can adopt to enhance its future water management and long-term sustainability.
The government and stakeholders must develop a comprehensive Water Security Plan (2025-2040) with clear milestones for infrastructure upgrades, contamination control, and sustainable water management to ensure long-term sustainability. Key measures should include the implementation of smart water meters to monitor and reduce wastage, scaling up community-led models, introduction of pricing mechanisms and incentives to promote conservation. Similarly, securing donor funding for initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and glacier-based storage solutions is essential for building a resilient and sustainable water supply.
The water crisis in Gilgit is not merely a resource issue but a failure of governance and planning. Without urgent action, the situation will worsen, triggering severe social, economic, and environmental consequences. A collaborative effort among government bodies, development partners, and an empowered civil society is crucial. By adopting global best practices, Gilgit can build a resilient and water-secure future.__Courtesy the Friday Times Pakistan
