Qaqlasht: the refuge in flooded & melting Chitral

Ihsan Ullah Meer

Historically, Chitral has experienced floods and landslides primarily during the early months of July and August. These events were mostly triggered by heavy rains, causing mild floods to cascade down the hills through their natural channels and into the riverbeds. While these occurrences were relatively common, their impact on human life and livelihoods was seldom devastating, with notable exceptions such as the 1984 floods in Booni and surrounding areas like Charun and Zait.

However, the rising specter of global warming and its worldwide impact have significantly altered this pattern over the past couple of decades. Two major changes have been observed: the shifting pattern of precipitation and the rise in average temperatures. Unpredictable and intense rainfall has become more frequent, leading to more severe and frequent flooding. These heavy rains not only result in increased floodwaters but also bring along mud and stones, exacerbating the damage.

The increase in temperature has accelerated glacial melting, resulting in Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). We witnessed these GLOFs in areas like Brep, Reshun, Mulkhow, and Torkhow in 2005, 2015, 2022, and 2023. These catastrophic events led to the destruction of many homes and infrastructure, killed domestic cattle, and ruined agricultural lands. Residents of many villages in Upper Chitral have been displaced, living in shelter homes or makeshift arrangements. Their houses were buried in mud, and it would take centuries to restore them to their earlier stat only if GLOFs stop, which seems very unlikely. Instead, they are expected to increase.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Chitral has experienced a temperature increase of approximately 0.5°C per decade since the 1980s. With the continuous rise in temperature and shifting precipitation patterns, the situation is likely to worsen in the coming decades. Areas prone to these impacts, such as Booni, Sonoghur, Laspur, Mulkhow, Torkhow, and many others in Upper Chitral, will inevitably face these challenges sooner or later.

Since the early 2000s, we have been struggling with these persistent challenges, rebuilding our homes and shelters only to see them washed away by floods the following year. The government and various welfare agencies have provided crucial relief, including food, bedding, shelters, and emergency medicines. But how long can we keep battling against nature? How long can we continue addressing symptoms rather than finding a permanent solution? Many people have been forced to leave their ancestral homes, relocating to cities like Islamabad and Peshawar or moving within Lower Chitral and other areas of the district, all in a bid to escape the relentless threat of devastating floods. If this trend continues, we may face the dire reality of losing all our living spaces to these ruthless floods, leaving us with no inhabitants left.

I propose a long-term solution to this plight: Upper Chitral’s Qaqlasht Plateau. This area, with its fertile land, natural disaster resilience, and strategic location, offers a promising opportunity for relocating not only from the flood-affected regions of Upper Chitral but also from high-risk areas that may face similar threats in the future. This includes regions from Mulkhow, Torkhow, and Mastuj, as well as nearby areas such as Booni, Awi, Reshun, Bumbagh, and Junlikoach. Additionally, we could consider relocating government offices, colleges, and other vital institutions to the Qaqlasht Plateau. However, while the proposal is straightforward, the implementation will be far more complex. But with unity, faith, and resolve, and with a genuine intention to help each other and ourselves, this can be achieved. Otherwise, the plateau, which has been barren for ages, will remain so until the end of time.

The Qaqlasht Plateau presents an ideal relocation site for areas such as Torkhow, Mulkhow, and Mastuj due to its strategic location with road access and electricity facilities. Despite its potential, Qaqlasht faces significant challenges. The plateau’s ownership is a contentious issue, with recent court rulings affirming that it belongs to the community rather than the government. However, within the community itself, there is division. Mulkhow, Torkhow, and Booni claim ownership, while voices from Junalikoach, Charun and Koragh also seek a share. To resolve these disputes and address the urgent needs of those affected by floods, it is imperative for community leaders from all these areas to come together and reach a unanimous decision.

They should ensure that equal shares are allocated to all flood-affected and vulnerable individuals on a priority basis, providing them with 5-10 marla plots. This way, affected families  and those at risk can build their own homes, creating a sustainable solution for their displacement and alleviating the ongoing misery of facing these disasters repeatedly.

Once a resolution is reached, the next crucial and pressing issue is the provision of water resources. The Qaqlasht Plateau is currently barren, with no existing water sources. However, there are three viable options to address this water scarcity. First, water can be sourced from the two rivers flowing on either side of the plateau, utilizing solar-powered systems to pump the water. Second, pipelines could be installed from nearby sources, such as Booni Goal, Meragram Goal, and Mulkhow (Atahk). Third, drilling wells on the plateau could provide a sustainable water supply. The local government should take the lead, while NGOs, volunteers, and privileged individuals should come forward to fund and support these initiatives to ensure a permanent and reliable water solution for Qaqlasht.

In conclusion, with the continuous rise in temperature and shifting precipitation patterns, the situation in Upper Chitral is likely to worsen in the coming decades. Qaqlasht is proposed as a potential refuge amidst the escalating climate-induced disasters. Its unique characteristics—dry land, resilience to natural calamities, and essential infrastructure—make it a promising relocation site for displaced communities. However, realizing this opportunity involves overcoming significant challenges, such as resolving ownership disputes and ensuring fair distribution of resources. By fostering unity and collaboration among community leaders, government bodies, and supportive organizations, we can transform this vision into reality. Moving to Qaqlasht represents not only a chance for a safer future but also an opportunity to build a more sustainable and resilient community for Upper Chitral. Together, we must act decisively and compassionately to secure this promising future for the people of Upper Chitral.