Gilgit-Baltistan, located in the northernmost region of Pakistan, is home to a diverse population and breathtaking landscapes. However, it is also grappling with an energy crisis that has wreaked havoc on the lives of its residents. The crisis is often attributed to the region’s overall colonial status, but there are several other factors at play that are often overlooked.
One of the major factors contributing to the energy crisis is the failure of elected representatives. Many of the representatives elected to serve the region have not prioritized the energy needs of their constituents. Instead, they have focused on personal gains, leaving the region to suffer from prolonged power outages.
Another factor is the malfunctioning of existing systems. The energy infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan is outdated and in dire need of an upgrade. The transmission and distribution lines are old and damaged, leading to power loss during transmission. Furthermore, the region’s power plants are unable to produce enough energy to meet the growing demand of the population.
Corruption in the political and civil representatives and bureaucracy has also played a significant role in exacerbating the crisis. Funds allocated for the improvement of the energy infrastructure have been embezzled or diverted to other projects, leaving the energy sector neglected and underfunded.
In addition to the factors contributing to the energy crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan, there is also a significant untapped power-producing potential in the region. The region is home to vast natural resources, including water, wind, and solar energy. However, due to the lack of investment and attention, these resources remain largely untapped. The region has a total installed capacity of only 57 MW, which is a small fraction of its actual potential. According to estimates, the hydropower potential in the region is around 50,000 MW, while wind and solar energy could provide an additional 10,000 MW. The failure to harness this potential has left the region dependent on non-renewable energy sources and vulnerable to the current energy crisis.
The impact of the energy crisis on the lives of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan is devastating. The region’s economy heavily relies on tourism, and prolonged power outages have discouraged tourists from visiting. The lack of electricity has also affected the health sector, with hospitals struggling to operate medical equipment and provide adequate healthcare services. The education sector has also suffered, with schools unable to provide basic facilities such as lighting and heating during the winter months.
In 2018, the government launched the Gilgit-Baltistan Sustainable Energy Development Strategy (GBSEDS) to address the energy crisis. The strategy aims to generate renewable energy and reduce the region’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources. However, the implementation of the strategy has been slow, and the impact on the ground is yet to be seen.
The construction of Diamer Basha Dam and Dassu Dam could potentially have a significant impact on addressing the energy crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan. Diamer Basha Dam, once completed, will have a total capacity of 4,500 MW, making it one of the largest hydropower projects in the world. The dam is expected to generate around 18,000 GWh of electricity annually, which could significantly reduce the region’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The construction of the dam is also expected to create job opportunities and boost economic development in the region.
Similarly, the construction of the Dassu Dam is expected to generate 4,320 MW of electricity and create job opportunities for the local population. However, the construction of these dams has also been met with criticism from some environmentalists and local communities, who argue that the dams could have adverse impacts on the environment and the lives of the local people. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the construction of these dams follows international environmental and social standards and that the concerns of the local people are adequately addressed. If done correctly, the construction of these dams could significantly contribute to addressing the energy crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan and boost the region’s economic development.
One of the critical challenges in addressing the energy crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan is the lack of representation of the region’s voices in federal-level energy platforms and institutions. The region’s energy needs and potential are often overlooked, and their voices are not heard in important decision-making processes. Even when there is space allocated for the region’s representation, it remains vacant due to the lack of understanding of the energy issue at the local decision-making platforms. The incompetence of the local representatives and institutions is also a significant factor in keeping these important representative platforms vacant. As a result, the region continues to suffer from an energy crisis that has severe consequences for the lives of its residents. It is crucial for the federal and local institutions to work together and ensure that the region’s voices are heard, and its energy needs and potential are given due consideration in decision-making processes.
The energy crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan is not unique to the region. In Pakistan, around 62 million people lack access to electricity, and the energy shortfall in the country is estimated to be around 4,500 megawatts. This shortfall leads to prolonged power outages, affecting industries, businesses, and households across the country.
To address the energy crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan, there is a pressing need to build the capacity of local leaders who represent the region at the federal level. They need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for the region’s energy needs and potential effectively. Additionally, civil society and political parties should play an active role in advocating for the region’s energy needs and potential. They can create a movement and raise awareness among the masses about the importance of addressing the energy crisis in the region. The federal government should also prioritize the energy crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan and allocate adequate resources to address it. This could include investing in renewable energy projects, ensuring the proper functioning of existing systems, and holding accountable those responsible for the failures and corruption that have contributed to the crisis. Only by working together and prioritizing the energy crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan can we ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the region and its people.
NOMADIC THOUGHTS 