Gilgit-Baltistan's Plastic Crisis Threatens The Mountain Ecosystem

Not just in Pakistan, but everywhere in the world, plastic pollution has grown to be a terrible issue. The increased usage of plastic has exacerbated existing environmental issues and has a catastrophic impact on both marine and terrestrial species. Due to its widespread production and distinctive qualities, the use of plastic significantly rose after 1965, becoming a necessary component of our daily lives. It is a great material for carrier bags, flexible packaging and many other uses because of its high strength and imperviousness. Its extensive uses and advantageous traits are what give it the upper hand in every industry. Pakistan is among the highest consumers of plastic bags, using approximately 20 billion annually, which often end up in streets, markets, and rural areas.

The country produces around 12.8 million tons of plastic waste per year, with less than 5% of it being recycled. Plastic debris and microplastics can be found in all of Pakistan's oceans, including the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, which harm marine wildlife, damage coral reefs and disrupt ocean and terrestrial ecosystems. Plastic pollution is an emerging catastrophe in Gilgit-Baltistan, a mountainous region in northern Pakistan. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, rivers and high-altitude lakes, but this beauty is being threatened by the increasing amount of plastic waste. There is not any space left which is untouched by plastic pollution. To gauge how alarming the exponential growth of plastic levels in the ocean is, consider that even scientists consider plastic as a key geological indicator of the Anthropocene era.

One of the main sources of plastic pollution in Gilgit-Baltistan is tourism. As more and more tourists visit the region, they bring with them a large amount of single-use plastic products, such as water bottles, food packaging and shopping bags. These products are often used only once and then discarded, leading to a buildup of plastic waste in the environment.

Another source of plastic pollution in Gilgit-Baltistan are the local communities. Many residents of the region do not have access to proper waste management facilities, and as a result, plastic waste is often thrown into rivers and lakes, or left on the side of the road. This not only harms the environment but also poses a health risk to local communities, as plastic waste can leach toxic chemicals into the water and soil.

According to the stock inventory developed by Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency, it is estimated that about total consumption of plastics in Gilgit city is 11 tons per month and around 20,460,000 plastic objects go into the environment. Plastic pollution in Gilgit-Baltistan can have a number of adverse impacts on the environment and human health. For example, plastic litter can harm wildlife and disrupt ecosystems by suffocating or entangling animals. Plastic bags and other debris can also clog drainage systems, leading to flooding and water pollution. It also affects tourism, as it can make natural areas appear dirty and uninviting.

Burning plastic is a common practice in GB and a layer of smoke is usually seen, particularly in winters, that reduces visibility. Such burning of plastic releases toxic chemicals, including dioxins and furans, into the air. These chemicals can cause respiratory problems and can lead to a variety of negative health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease, exacerbation of respiratory conditions such as asthma and emphysema, skin irritation, nausea, headaches and damage to the nervous system. Moreover, plastic burning also releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to climate change. It also contaminates the soil and water with toxic chemicals. These chemicals can then be taken up by plants and enter the food chain, potentially causing health problems for animals and humans. Scientific studies indicate that nonwoven bags outperformed other plastic bags, followed by woven cotton bags. Comparing paper and plastic bags to nonwoven and cotton woven bags, paper and plastic bags have a very high global warming potential for 20, 100 and 500 years. It is evident from studies that nonwoven bags consume less energy and materials and release less greenhouse gases (GHG) than other types of shopping bags.

Considering the gravity of issue, the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA) in collaboration with the District Administration and other Line Departments has taken a step forward to eradicate single-use plastic from the region through the Green Businesses initiative. This is a significant step in addressing plastic waste in Gilgit-Baltistan. This initiative will offer interest-free loans of up to PKR 96 million to local businesses that want to invest in the manufacture of sustainable, eco-friendly bags. Moreover, this eco-business is a way to boost the circular economy, as it encourages the use of sustainable materials and practices that minimise waste and promote recycling. It will also create jobs in the green economy and help to diversify the local economy. This will reduce the number of single-use plastics in circulation and promote the usage of eco-friendly products such as reusable bags, bottles and containers.

To address the problem of plastic pollution in Gilgit-Baltistan, a combination of solutions is needed. One approach is to improve waste management infrastructure in the region, including the construction of recycling facilities. Another approach is to raise awareness about the problem among local communities and tourists, through education and outreach programs. Stricter regulations and enforcement are required to reduce the use of single-use plastics, and encourage the use of biodegradable materials. Moreover, civic responsibility and behavioral changes can play a significant role in bringing about a change in society, especially when it comes to addressing plastic pollution. When individuals take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes in their behaviour, it can encourage others to do the same. This collective action can lead to a significant reduction in plastic pollution. It can also lead to the formation of strong, engaged communities that work together to address local environmental issues. Encouraging the use eco-friendly alternative options, such as reusing water bottles and shopping bags, can create a difference.

In conclusion, plastic pollution is a significant problem in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is affecting the natural beauty and posing health risk to the local communities. A multifaceted approach is needed to tackle the problem, including improved waste management infrastructure, raising awareness and stricter regulations.