Gilgit Baltistan, January 26, 2016: Deforestation in Gilgit Baltistan is causing environmental changes that are threatening the lives and property of people in the region. Glaciers in the region are melting rapidly due to the depletion of forests and the collapse of the ecosystem. As a result, the threat of flood looms large in the region. Deforestation in Gilgit Baltistan is causing environmental changes that are threatening the lives and property of people in the region. Glaciers in the region are melting rapidly due to the depletion of forests and the collapse of the ecosystem. As a result, the threat of flood looms large in the region. The timber mafia, which is very active in the region, is making the situation worse. Today, people of Gilgit Baltistan are in a no win situation. Due to scarcity of economical and affordable fuel in the region, they are forced to survive on the timber available here, to warm up their homes during the harsh winters. With no proper policy in place to curb deforestation and with successive governments paying little attention to the pressing problems, the locals have to face the hazardous consequences. This in turn is causing environmental changes that are threatening the lives and properties of the locals. According to a survey, Gilgit Baltistan, has over 5,218 glaciers. There are almost 1,500 glaciers with sparkling drinking water. About 2,420 glaciers have lakes, but 52 of them have been declared dangerous, and can burst any time. A host of reasons is responsible for the worsening situation.
