Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency

On 25th September 2026, in a decisive move to uphold environmental regulations and safeguard public safety, the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA) enforcement team, in coordination with the Gilgit Administration and Magistrate, conducted an enforcement operation against two illegal crush plants operating near Jutial Nullah.
The plants were functioning without the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC), in clear violation of the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Act, 2014. Despite prior notices issued by GB-EPA directing the owners to cease operations, the facilities continued their activities. Consequently, the GB-EPA team, accompanied by the Magistrate, sealed both plants to ensure strict compliance with environmental directives.
This enforcement action highlights GB-EPA’s unwavering commitment to protecting fragile ecosystems, preventing hazardous industrial practices, and ensuring that development activities remain lawful and sustainable.
Forests, Parks & Wildlife Deptt GB Information Department Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Ministry of Climate Change, Govt of Pakistan Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan PAMIR TIMES GMN Urdu Gilgit Media Network Ibex Media Network K2 Express TV Commissioner Gilgit Division Deputy Commissioner, Gilgit Forest Parks & Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan Media Lens - English Daily Sada-e-Himalaya

اسکردو، 22 ستمبر 2026ء
​محکمہ تحفظ محولیات بلتستان ریجن نے آج آرکیڈین ریزورٹ، رنگہ (اسکردو) میں ایک عوامی شنوائی کا انعقاد کیا۔ اس سماعت کا مقصد مجوزہ ایل پی جی اسٹوریج اینڈ فلنگ پلانٹ کواردو اسکردو کی ماحولیاتی اثرات کی رپورٹ کا جائزہ لینا تھا۔
​اس عوامی سماعت کا بنيادی مقصد منصوبے کے نتیجے میں پیدا ہونے والے ممکنہ ماحولیاتی اثرات کا تخمینہ لگانا اور ریگولیٹری فیصلے سازی کے عمل میں مقامی آبادی کی آراء و تجاویز کو شامل کرنا تھا۔
​تقریب میں متعلقہ افراد کا ایک متنوع وفد شریک ہوا، جن میں یونیورسٹی آف بلتستان کے اساتذہ، محققین اور طلبہ کے علاوہ سول سوسائٹی کے مختلف نمائندے شامل تھے۔ ان شرکاء نے منصوبے کے حوالے سے اپنے رسمی مشاہدات، تجاویز اور خدشات پیش کیے۔
​اجلاس کے دوران شرکاء کا ایک اہم و بنیادی متفقہ نقطہ عوامی شنوائی کی جگہ تک رسائی کا تھا۔ حاضرین نے نشاندہی کی کہ متاثرہ علاقے سے باہر مقام کا انتخاب کرنے کی وجہ سے کواردو کے مقامی رہائشیوں کی شرکت محدود ہو کر رہ گئی۔ چنانچہ، شرکاء نے درخواست کی کہ کواردو گاؤں کے اندر ہی ایک اور سماعت کا انعقاد کیا جائے تاکہ مقامی آبادی کی مکمل اور فعال شرکت کو یقینی بنایا جا سکے۔
​عوام کی اس درخواست اور مطالبے کو تسلیم کرتے ہوئے، پروجیکٹ منیجر نے متاثرہ کمیونٹی کے علاقے میں ہی براہِ راست ایک اور عوامی سماعت کا اہتمام کرنے کا وعدہ کیا۔
​ماحولیاتی قوانین کی شفافیت کے عزم کا اعادہ کرتے ہوئے، ای پی اے بلتستان ریجن نے اس بات پر زور دیا کہ عوامی شمولیت و مشاورت ماحولیاتی منظوری کے عمل کا ایک انتہائی اہم عنصر ہے، اور تمام فریقین کو یقین دہانی کرائی گئی کہ موصول ہونے والے تمام تر نکات اور آراء کو حتمی ای آئی اے رپورٹ کا باقاعدہ حصہ بنایا جائے گا۔

​SKARDU, September 22, 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Baltistan Region, convened a public hearing today at the Arcadian Resort in Ranga, Skardu, to evaluate the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Kowardu LPG Storage and Filling Plant.
​The hearing aimed to assess potential environmental impacts associated with the development and to integrate community feedback into the regulatory decision-making process.
​The event drew a diverse delegation of attendees, including scholars and students from the University of Baltistan alongside various civil society representatives, who submitted formal observations, recommendations, and concerns regarding the project.
​A key point of consensus among attendees was the geographical accessibility of the meeting. Participants noted that the selection of a venue outside the primary impact area restricted attendance from the residents of Kowardu. Consequently, the participants requested an additional hearing within Kowardu village to ensure full local participation.
​Acknowledging the community's request, the Project Manager committed to organizing a subsequent hearing directly within the affected community area.
​Reaffirming its commitment to procedural transparency, the EPA Baltistan Region emphasized that public engagement remains a vital component of the environmental approval process, assuring stakeholders that all feedback will be systematically incorporated into the final EIA report.

Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan
Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan
District Administration Skardu
Forest، Wildlife & Environment Deptt GB

Let's join hands with District Administration

The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA) convened a meeting of the Environmental Assessment and Advisory Committee (EAAC) on 16 September 2026 at the GB-EPA Office, Gilgit, to review various environmental assessment cases and provide technical advice on their environmental implications.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Shehzad Hasan Shigri, Director, GB-EPA, and attended by representatives/members from the Planning & Development Department, Forest Department, Wildlife Department, Agriculture Department, Fisheries Department, Water Management Department and Archaeology Department.
The Committee reviewed the environmental assessment reports of the following projects:

1. Construction of Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital, Gilgit — M/s Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital

2. Mining of Rock Gold at Hopay, Bagrote — M/s Jawa Mines (Pvt.) Ltd.

3. Mining of Copper at Datuchi, Bagrote — M/s Fuzhengnian Mining Limited

4. Placer Gold Mining at Faizabad, Chilmish, Gilgit — M/s Afradi Builders (Pvt.) Ltd.

During the meeting, the Committee thoroughly examined the submitted reports, with particular focus on environmental safeguards, potential impacts on water resources and biodiversity, waste management, land and riverine ecosystems, and proposed mitigation and monitoring measures.

The EAAC emphasized that environmental approval must be based on an adequate assessment of potential environmental impacts and the incorporation of practical, site-specific and enforceable environmental safeguards. Accordingly, only those environmental assessment reports that fulfilled the requirements and observations of the EAAC were approved for further regulatory processing.

The Committee observed that some of the submitted reports did not adequately address the required environmental safeguards and mitigation measures. Such projects were therefore returned to the respective proponents for revision, with directions to incorporate the observations, recommendations and technical suggestions of the EAAC.

The Committee further emphasized that environmental assessment reports must comprehensively identify potential environmental impacts and propose practical, site-specific and enforceable mitigation measures before cases are considered for further regulatory processing by GB-EPA.

The meeting concluded with directions to the concerned proponents to address the observations of the Committee and submit revised reports, where required, for further review in accordance with applicable environmental requirements.
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Forests, Parks & Wildlife Deptt GB Information Department Gilgit-Baltistan Ministry of Climate Change, Govt of Pakistan Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan PAMIR TIMES GMN Urdu Gilgit Media Network Ibex Media Network K2 Express TV Commissioner Gilgit Division Deputy Commissioner, Gilgit

The Environmental Assessment Advisory Committee (EAAC) of GB-EPA convened a meeting on 15th September 2026 at the EPA Baltistan Region Office, Skardu, chaired by the Director, GB-EPA, to review the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Report of Dolti Hospital, District Skardu.

The Committee reviewed key environmental and safety aspects of the proposed facility, including healthcare waste management, waste segregation and disposal, fire and emergency safety, occupational health and safety, ventilation and indoor air quality, wastewater management, and other relevant environmental safeguards.

The Committee provided observations, comments, and recommendations, which are to be incorporated by the proponent/consultant in the revised IEE report for further review and processing by the Agency.

Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan
Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan
Forests, Parks & Wildlife Deptt GB
District Administration Skardu

Skardu:- Public Hearing for the proposed project titled “LPG Storage and Filling Station” by AlDebaran Energy Private Limited.

🚨 GB-EPA in Collaboration with District Administrator SDM Gilgit Intensifies Environmental Enforcement in Gilgit
Gilgit, 4 September 2026:
In response to public complaints regarding improper wastewater disposal, poor sanitation, solid-waste mismanagement and healthcare-waste handling, the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA), in collaboration with the District Administration, conducted a series of inspections at hotels, restaurants and healthcare facilities in Gilgit.
The inspections resulted in immediate enforcement actions as well as compliance directions to address environmental and public-health concerns.
🔴 Indus Hotel — Sealed
The inspection revealed that black and grey water from the kitchen and washrooms was being discharged directly into an open area , resulting in foul odors, poor aesthetic conditions and potential contamination of nearby water resources.
The kitchen and allied areas were also found in extremely poor hygienic and sanitary condition, with open dumping of solid waste, rotten vegetables and discarded food found without proper disposal.
In view of the violations, the facility was sealed by the District Administration and GB-EPA and directed to rectify the shortcomings and approach the authorities on Monday with evidence of compliance.
🔴 Khurak Mahal Jutial — Sealed
During the inspection of the area around Avari Express Hotel, following public complaints, Khurak Mahal was found discharging kitchen wastewater directly into a drain, causing foul smell and creating serious sanitary and environmental concerns.
The facility was sealed and directed to rectify the identified deficiencies within three days.
🟠 Avari Express Hotel — Seven-Day Compliance Direction
Avari Express Hotel was also inspected regarding complaints about black and grey water and kitchen-waste disposal.
The hotel management was directed to ensure the safe and proper disposal of kitchen waste, black water and grey water within seven days. The management was warned that failure to comply may result in sealing of the facility and further legal action.
🟠 Healthcare Facilities — Compliance Action
GB-EPA and the District Administration also inspected Excel Laboratories . The healthcare facility was directed to approach GB-EPA for the required environmental NOC/approval and establish a proper mechanism for the segregation, handling and safe disposal of healthcare waste.
🟠 Islamabad Diagnostic Center (IDC) — Follow-up Enforcement
GB-EPA also conducted a follow-up inspection of Islamabad Diagnostic Center (IDC), which had previously been issued a compliance notice.
As the required compliance had not been achieved, the facility was directed to approach GB-EPA for the required environmental NOC and ensure proper management and safe disposal of general and infectious healthcare waste.
🌿 GB-EPA’s Commitment
These inspections reflect GB-EPA and District Administrators continued commitment to protecting the environment, public health and water resources of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Public complaints are an important source of information for environmental enforcement, and GB-EPA appreciates citizens who report environmental violations.
Environmental laws are not optional.
Proper waste management is a responsibility.
Violations will be addressed through enforcement and compliance action.
🚨 گلگت میں ماحولیاتی خلاف ورزیوں کے خلاف GB-EPA اور ڈسٹرکٹ ایڈمنسٹریشن گلگت کی کارروائی
گلگت، 4 ستمبر 2026ء:-محکمہ ماحولیات نے ضلعی انتظامیہ کے تعاون سے عوامی شکایات پر مختلف ہوٹلز اور طبی مراکز کے معائنے کیے۔
🔴 انڈس ہوٹل — بلیک و گرے واٹر کے غیر مناسب اخراج، ناقص صفائی اور کھلے عام ٹھوس فضلے کی تلفی پر سیل کر دیا گیا۔
🔴 خوراک محل — کچن کا گندا پانی براہِ راست نالے میں خارج کرنے اور ناقص صفائی پر سیل، تین روز میں خامیاں دور کرنے کی ہدایت۔
🟠 اواری ایکسپریس ہوٹل — کچن کے گرے واٹر اور فضلے کی کھلے عام تلفی پر سات روز میں مناسب انتظام کرنے کی ہدایت، بصورتِ دیگر سیل اور قانونی کارروائی کی تنبیہ۔
🟠 ایکسل لیبارٹریز و اسلام آباد ڈئگنوسٹک سینٹر دیگر طبی مراکز — ماحولیاتی NOC حاصل کرنے اور طبی و متعدی فضلے کی محفوظ تلفی کے لیے مناسب نظام وضع کرنے کی ہدایت

ماحول، آبی وسائل اور عوامی صحت کا تحفظ ہماری ترجیح ہے۔ عوامی شکایات کی بنیاد پر ماحولیاتی قوانین کی خلاف ورزیوں کے خلاف بلاامتیاز کارروائی جاری رہے گی۔
صاف ماحول — محفوظ معاشرہ
ماحولیاتی قوانین کی پاسداری ہر ادارے کی ذمہ داری ہے۔
Forest Parks & Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan
PAMIR TIMES
GMN Urdu
Ibex Media Network
Information Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Commissioner Gilgit Division
Deputy Commissioner, Gilgit
Assistant commissioner /SDM/Administrator MC Gilgit

Astore, 3rd September, 2026. The GB-EPA Diamer-Astore Division field team conducted a site inspection of a marble cutting and processing plant located at Danganat, Shounter, District Astore. During the visit, the team inspected the facility and advised the proponent to ensure compliance with the applicable environmental safeguards under the GB Industrial Regulations, 2018.The team also provided guidance on proper wastewater management and disposal, workplace health and safety, and other environmental protection measures to minimize potential impacts on the surrounding environment and community. GB-EPA remains committed to promoting environmentally responsible industrial development and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations across Gilgit-Baltistan.
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan
Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan
Forests, Parks & Wildlife Deptt GB
Information Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Ministry of Climate Change, Govt of Pakistan
Forest Parks & Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan
PAMIR TIMES
Gilgit Media Network
K2 Express TV
Ibex Media Network
GMN Urdu
Media Lens - English

Astore, 3rd September, 2026. A meeting of the Environmental Assessment Advisory Committee (EAAC), constituted under the GB Environmental Protection Act, 2014, was convened at Gorikot, Astore under the chairmanship of Deputy Director, GB-EPA Diamer-Astore Division, with participation from representatives of the Forest, Wildlife, Planning & Development, Fisheries, Agriculture, and Archaeology Departments.
The Committee reviewed the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) reports for:
1. Placer Gold Mining Project by M/S KAT International Pvt Ltd. at Bunji, District Astore
2. Nephrite Mining Project by M/S Metallography Pvt Ltd. at Terizay, Gorikote, District Astore
The Committee emphasized the preparation of site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), reflecting upon environmental sensitivities and socio-economic characteristics of the proposed sites. The project proponents were advised to incorporate comprehensive environmental safeguards, mitigation, monitoring and progressive rehabilitation measures while ensuring compliance with IEE/EIA Regulations, 2024.
Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan
Forests, Parks & Wildlife Deptt GB
Information Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Ministry of Climate Change, Govt of Pakistan
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan
Forest Parks & Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan
PAMIR TIMES
Gilgit Media Network
Ibex Media Network
EvK2CNR Pakistan