KHAPLU, October 6, 2026: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Baltistan Region, held a public hearing on the proposed ILD and FMR projects for Khaplu and Haldi villages in District Ghanche.
The hearing was organised in collaboration with ETI-Baltistan at the Community Center Hichi Khaplu in accordance with the legal requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency, Gilgit-Baltistan.
A large number of local residents, community representatives, notables and people from different walks of life attended the hearing. Participants shared their concerns, views and suggestions regarding the potential environmental impacts of the proposed projects.
Officials from the EPA, Baltistan Region, said public participation is an important part of the environmental approval process. They assured participants that the views, concerns and recommendations presented during the hearing would be considered and incorporated into the final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
The public hearing provided an opportunity for local communities to raise environmental concerns before decisions are taken on the proposed projects. Such consultations also help ensure that development projects consider local conditions, community interests and potential environmental impacts.
Participants appreciated the EPA, Baltistan Region, and ETI-Baltistan for organising what they described as a transparent and inclusive public consultation.
The hearing highlighted the importance of involving local communities in environmental decision-making, particularly for development projects that may affect local ecosystems, natural resources and livelihoods.
