Gilgit-Baltistan’s fight against growing plastic waste
Written by: Azam Sohail
Gilgit-Baltistan, home to some of the most picturesque mountain scenery in the world, continues to attract an increasing number of local and international tourists every year. From the valleys of Hunza to the lakes of Skardu and the cultural heritage of Gilgit, the region has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in Pakistan, welcoming more than one million tourists annually.
The growing volume of tourism has brought significant economic opportunities to the region while also creating environmental challenges that require long-term and collaborative solutions. Effective waste management is essential to maintain the natural beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan, protect its fragile ecosystems and ensure the continued development of tourism. Strengthening waste segregation and recycling systems not only helps reduce pollution but also creates opportunities for resource recovery and promotes responsible consumption among residents and visitors. As a result of the high influx of tourists, the generation of plastic waste has increased across the region, highlighting the need for efficient waste segregation and recycling systems in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Waste Management Company (GBWMC) manages the waste segregation and management system in the area in collaboration with the respective District Councils. Apart from other sources of waste generation, tourists also bring a lot of packaged goods and eventually leave this waste behind after consumption.
Public-private partnerships play an important role in addressing these challenges by pooling the expertise, resources and access of various stakeholders. Through collaboration between government agencies, local communities and the private sector, sustainable waste management practices can be strengthened by raising awareness of responsible disposal and recycling. Such initiatives encourage behavioral change, reduce the amount of waste reaching landfills and help build a circular economy where valuable materials are recovered and reused. These collective efforts contribute to preserving the region’s environment while supporting local livelihoods and enhancing the overall visitor experience for generations to come.
The Clean Gilgit-Baltistan project focuses on waste segregation and recycling systems across Gilgit-Baltistan. Under this initiative, Nestlé Pakistan has installed three compressing and baling machines, one each in Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu. In 2024, the project managed more than 6,800 tons of plastic and paper packaging waste, promoting a cleaner environment, sustainable tourism, and supporting the vision of a waste-free region.
As part of the project, Nestlé Pakistan has also installed 122 benches and waste bins made from recycled materials at popular tourist spots in Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu. The company has also donated a total of 20,000 reusable bags to be distributed to communities through GBWMC.
The project marks Nestlé Pakistan’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 17 – Responsible Consumption and Production and Partnership for Goals.
The author can be contacted at [email protected].
The post Gilgit-Baltistan’s war against increasing plastic waste appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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