SPECIAL REPORT
ISLAMABAD: As winter blankets Gilgit-Baltistan, its residents face crippling power outages lasting up to 21 hours daily. For Gilgit town’s 500,000 inhabitants, life comes to a standstill—homes are dark and freezing, businesses grind to a halt, and protests erupt amid growing despair.
Despite possessing vast freshwater resources and the potential to generate over 60 MW of electricity, the region remains locked in a perennial energy crisis. Government measures, such as costly diesel generators, have failed to alleviate the burden, often mired in allegations of mismanagement.
Yet, amidst the gloom, community-driven micro-hydropower projects (MHPs) shine as a beacon of hope.
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In the remote village of Borth, Ishkoman Valley, a locally managed micro-hydropower plant has transformed lives. “Before, winters were unbearable,” says Saeed Gull, who oversees the project. “Now, we have consistent electricity, even in the harshest months.” Established in 2017 with support from the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and Central Asia Poverty Programme (CAPP), the plant powers 300 homes and schools, with plans to extend its reach to 660 households.
In stark contrast, the nearby village of Badswat suffers from glacial floods and a heavy reliance on firewood, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.
Since 1982, AKRSP has implemented 169 micro-hydropower projects across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, providing clean energy to over 250,000 people. These initiatives not only address energy needs but also combat deforestation, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and mitigate climate change impacts.
Supported by the European Union, the €31 million Energy Plus Programme seeks to expand these efforts, aiming to benefit 350,000 people while fostering a climate-resilient, low-carbon future.
As glaciers melt and environmental challenges mount, experts stress the urgency of scaling these projects. “Preserving our glaciers and adopting eco-friendly energy solutions is crucial for future generations,” warns Salaar Ali, head of Environmental Science at the University of Baltistan.
In the heart of darkness, community-powered solutions are lighting the way forward for Gilgit-Baltistan.
