GB has been blessed with natural resources but 70 years have passed and the government failed to exploit it.
There are several areas where enormous potential exists but there has been no progress.
The government departments are working but their manpower is not properly trained and is facing a shortage of funds. There is amazing potential of different kinds of eatables which are exported to other parts of the country.
GB has about 100 peaks where a number of expedition parties visit GB and pay a huge chunk of foreign exchange. The flow of foreign tourists and locals have been increased manifold but the figure does not match to potentials and opportunities. However certain tourist points still have no communication facility.
The Fairy Meadow Satpara lake Rama lake has no proper mettled road. The upper Kasora lake has no proper road access. Skardu is under construction which is likely to complete in 2022. The road will open a great facility to tourist and also bring economic revolution.
The KKH is a great step towards but the road has no heath and hoteling network. Proper workshops for vehicles does not exist. Astore valley is famous for its scenic beauty but in 70 years the government never bothered to link it to other areas.
A very narrow road leads to Astore, which is very risky. Sharp and blind turns mar the features of this embarrassing road.
Credit goes to the interim government who took the matter with the federal government and got approved the scheme. Now the government allocated 15 billion for it.
The road will open enormous tourist flow for areas like Rama lake and Deosai plain.
For the security of tourists, the KKH will be deployed with 12000 jawans to ensure their safety. It is a good step but to be implemented in the near future.
The establishment of Hydle projects in the area has the potential of a generation of 50000 MWt. About 70 small and large hydle projects are functioning but still, the area is facing worse load shedding. Construction of Bunji and Daso and Basha Diamer are good initiatives that will generate 14000 MWt. The project will be completed in 2025 hopefully.
Pakistan is facing the worst food shortage in years, and in coming years the matter will be even more very alarming and serious. GB has big water resources and cultivatable land which is still barren. The agriculture department has taken many measures but a shortage of technical staff and fund could not prove its mettle so far. There is a need to use human capital and resources to maximum utilisation of talent. Certified seeds and modern technology is required to be made operational.
GB potato is unique in taste and quality. Last year Rs 700 million potatoes were exported to other provinces.
The world’s best cherry is produced at Gilgit. The seeds were brought from the USA and the experience was quite encouraging.
SHAKIR H SHAMIM,
Skardu.