GILGIT, PAKISTAN — In the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has completed a significant irrigation project in the remote Shimshal valley of the scenic district Hunza.
The newly completed irrigation project in Rech Das Shimshal Hunza involved the construction of a 5,800-feet-long channel to carry water from a source to arid land.
The AKRSP, which is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, has been working in Gilgit-Baltistan since 1982 to support community-led development initiatives.
The AKRSP, which is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, has been working in Gilgit-Baltistan since 1982 to support community-led development initiatives.
The AKRSP irrigation project Hunza will benefit over 230 households and more than 1,800 people across four different villages and eight Village Organizations and Women’s Organizations. The Senior Minister of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, Col. (R) Abaid Ullah Baig, inaugurated the project on March 21, 2023, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Gojal, Muhammad Zulqarnain Khan, Regional Programme Manager of AKRSP, Yasmeen Qalandar, and a large number of community members.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Senior Minister Col. (R) Abaid Ullah Baig praised the AKRSP for their contribution to the government’s massive plantation drive. The AKRSP and the government plan to plant 100,000 trees this year to promote environmental sustainability in the region.
The AKRSP has also planned to irrigate the entire 3,000 kanal of land in the area, which will increase food security, fuel wood, and fodder security, as well as create income generation opportunities and minimize water losses through seepages. The community expressed their gratitude to the AKRSP for their support, stating that the project would improve their quality of life and benefit future generations in Rech Das Shimshal.
Overall, the completion of this irrigation project in Rech Das Shimshal Hunza represents a significant milestone in the AKRSP’s ongoing efforts to support sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan. Despite the long distances from major cities like Lahore and Gilgit, the AKRSP remains dedicated to promoting community-led development initiatives in the region and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
The Nagar Valley, a popular tourist destination in Gilgit-Baltistan, is located near Hunza.