SKARDU: Skardu, nestled in the majestic mountains of Pakistan, grapples with a severe energy crisis exacerbated by a burgeoning tourism industry.
With daily power cuts lasting up to 18 hours, locals like Aniqa Bano are forced to adapt, repurposing household appliances and altering their way of life.
The surge in mountain tourism, fueled by adventurers seeking to conquer K2, strains the already limited energy supply, plunging Skardu into darkness for extended periods.
Despite being a hotspot for tourists drawn to its cool climate and breathtaking scenery, Skardu faces the harsh reality of energy scarcity.
Muhammad Yunus, a senior engineer, highlights the challenges posed by rapid population growth, mismanagement, and climate change, leading to a ten percent increase in load shedding each year for the past six years.
Siddiqa, a tailor, echoes this sentiment, recounting how power outages have crippled her business, forcing her to revert to traditional hand-sewing methods.
The influx of tourists shows no signs of abating, with the number of visitors skyrocketing from 50,000 in 2014 to 880,000 in 2023. This surge places immense pressure on Skardu’s energy infrastructure, which relies on hydro and thermal plants for power generation.
However, the region’s dependence on melting glaciers for water supply exacerbates the problem, as unpredictable water availability hampers energy production.
Moreover, inadequate planning and infrastructure damage further compound Skardu’s energy woes. The Satpara dam, envisioned to provide electricity to 40,000 homes, operates well below capacity due to halted river diversion plans and poor management. Consequently, residents like Wajahat Hussain resort to fuel generators to sustain their livelihoods, perpetuating environmental degradation and contributing to global warming.
Skardu’s energy crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to meet the growing demands of tourism while preserving the region’s fragile ecosystem. As Pakistan’s tourism industry continues to thrive, policymakers must prioritize investments in renewable energy sources and infrastructure development to alleviate the burden on local communities and safeguard the environment for future generations.
