CHILAS: The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA) held a public hearing at the ETI-GB Office in Chilas on proposed Farm-to-Market (FMR) road projects in District Diamer.
The hearing was conducted under the applicable provisions of the GB-EPA IEE/EIA Regulations, 2024, providing local communities an opportunity to share their views on the proposed development schemes.
Community representatives from all four project areas participated in the hearing and expressed support for the timely implementation of the road projects. They said improved connectivity could make it easier to transport agricultural produce and improve access to healthcare, education and other essential services.
Participants also highlighted the potential for better mobility to create additional livelihood and economic opportunities for local communities.
At the same time, community members raised concerns about potential environmental impacts and stressed the need for appropriate safeguards and mitigation measures during project construction and implementation.
The public hearing provided a platform for community participation in the environmental assessment process, allowing local concerns and recommendations to be recorded for consideration.
The GB-EPA reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and participatory environmental decision-making, with an emphasis on balancing infrastructure development with the protection of Gilgit-Baltistan’s fragile mountain environment.
The process highlights the importance of considering environmental risks and community concerns at the planning stage of development projects in ecologically sensitive areas.
