july/2025

Glacial Melting and Erratic Weather Threaten Water Supply and Agriculture in Naran, Pakistan

Naran’s Fragile Beauty Under Threat

Naran, a picturesque town nestled in the Kaghan Valley of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has long been celebrated for its towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and majestic glaciers. This region, once regarded as a haven for tourists and a vital agricultural zone for local communities, now faces a growing crisis that threatens both its natural beauty and the livelihoods of its people. The twin forces of glacial melting and erratic weather patterns are reshaping Naran’s landscape, disrupting water availability, damaging agriculture, and creating long-term concerns for food security and environmental sustainability.

While climate change is a global issue, its impacts are often felt most acutely in mountainous regions like Naran. Here, the consequences are not only visible in shrinking glaciers and drying streams but are also experienced firsthand by farmers, herders, and families who depend on the region's fragile ecosystem for survival. As scientists, environmentalists, and local communities raise alarm bells, it becomes clear that urgent action is needed to address the environmental threats confronting Naran.

1. The Accelerating Retreat of Glaciers in Naran

1.1 Naran’s Glacial Dependency

The valleys of Naran rely heavily on the glaciers of the mighty Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges. These glaciers act as natural reservoirs, storing water in the form of ice during the winter and releasing it slowly as meltwater during the warmer months. This gradual release is critical for maintaining river flow, supporting agriculture, hydropower generation, and ensuring water availability for communities.

However, this delicate balance is being upended by rising global temperatures. According to glaciologists, Pakistan’s glaciers are retreating at an unprecedented pace, and Naran is no exception.

1.2 Scientific Warnings

"Glaciers that have provided steady water flows for centuries are now shrinking rapidly," warns Dr. Ahmed Khan, a leading glaciologist at the University of Peshawar. "We are witnessing accelerated glacial retreat due to climate change, leading to irregular water supply patterns, seasonal shortages, and an increased risk of flash floods."

Recent satellite data and field observations confirm that glaciers feeding the Kunhar River, which flows through Naran, have significantly receded over the past two decades. If this trend continues unchecked, the consequences for water availability, agriculture, and energy production could be devastating.

2. Erratic Weather Patterns and Their Agricultural

Consequences

2.1 Unpredictable Rainfall and Snowmelt

Historically, the people of Naran have depended on a predictable climate for their agricultural activities. Snowfall in winter would accumulate on mountain peaks, gradually melting in spring and summer to provide essential irrigation. Rainfall patterns, though seasonal, were generally reliable, allowing farmers to plan planting and harvesting cycles.

Today, that predictability is gone. Farmers report erratic rainfall, with unseasonal showers damaging crops or prolonged dry spells stunting their growth. Snowmelt, once a steady contributor to river flows, now often occurs in abrupt, intense bursts, overwhelming riverbanks and damaging infrastructure.

2.2 Farmers Struggle with Climate Change

Local farmers like Mohammad Hussain, who has cultivated wheat, maize, and potatoes in Naran for decades, describe the growing challenges:
“We used to rely on consistent rainfall and snowmelt for irrigation, but now we don’t know when to plant or harvest. Some years, droughts ruin our crops, and other years, floods wash them away.”

Traditional farming calendars are becoming obsolete as climate unpredictability takes hold. For small-scale farmers with limited resources, adapting to these new conditions is extremely difficult, putting both livelihoods and food security at risk.

3. Water Scarcity: A Looming Threat for Communities

3.1 Drying Streams and Water Shortages

The shrinking glaciers and irregular snowmelt have led to reduced water flows in rivers and streams, which are vital for daily life in Naran. Villages that once had access to ample clean water now face seasonal shortages, particularly during the dry months. Women and children often walk long distances to fetch water, while farmers struggle to irrigate their fields.

3.2 Impact on Hydropower and Energy Supply

Water scarcity extends beyond agriculture and household needs. Naran, like many regions of Pakistan, relies on hydroelectric projects that depend on consistent river flow. As glacial meltwater becomes irregular, the efficiency of these projects is compromised, raising concerns about future energy shortages.

3.3 The Risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

Adding to the crisis is the growing threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, or GLOFs. As glaciers melt rapidly, they often form unstable lakes held back by weak natural barriers. If these barriers collapse, sudden and devastating floods can occur, destroying homes, crops, roads, and bridges. Experts warn that Naran is increasingly vulnerable to such disasters if preventive measures are not taken.

4. Tourism and Environmental Stress

4.1 The Double-Edged Sword of Tourism

Tourism is a major contributor to Naran's economy, attracting visitors from across Pakistan and beyond to experience its natural beauty. However, increased tourist activity has also placed enormous strain on the region's fragile environment. Unregulated construction, littering, deforestation, and overuse of natural resources have compounded the environmental challenges.

4.2 Deforestation and Soil Erosion

To accommodate tourists, many trees have been cut down to build hotels, roads, and other infrastructure. This deforestation not only degrades the landscape but also reduces the ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change. Furthermore, the loss of vegetation leads to soil erosion, landslides, and reduced water retention capacity in the mountains.

5. Long-Term Implications for Food Security and Ecosystems

5.1 Disrupted Food Production

With agriculture already struggling under the weight of unpredictable weather and water scarcity, the long-term food security of Naran and surrounding regions is in jeopardy. Reduced crop yields and damaged farmland mean higher food prices and greater reliance on imported food, placing additional burdens on low-income families.

5.2 Threats to Biodiversity

Naran’s unique biodiversity, including its forests, wildlife, and freshwater ecosystems, is also at risk. As habitats shrink or disappear due to glacial melting, changing rainfall, and deforestation, plant and animal species face growing threats of extinction. This loss of biodiversity has cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, diminishing its ability to provide essential services such as water purification, soil fertility, and climate regulation.

6. Community Voices and Grassroots Concerns

The people of Naran are on the front lines of this environmental crisis. From farmers to shopkeepers, residents express deep concern over the changes reshaping their homeland. A resident of Naran, explains:
"Our children used to play by the river, and the fields were green. Now, we fear floods, the streams run dry, and we don't know what the future holds." Community elders, often regarded as custodians of local knowledge, are witnessing changes they say they have never seen before in their lifetimes. Their concerns highlight the urgent need for both local and national action.

7. Possible Solutions: A Path Toward Resilience

While the challenges facing Naran are severe, experts and environmentalists stress that solutions are possible with coordinated efforts at the local, national, and international levels.

7.1 Glacier Monitoring and Research

Enhanced monitoring of glaciers is essential to understand the pace and impacts of glacial retreat. Investing in research stations, satellite tracking, and on-the-ground studies can help predict water availability, identify high-risk areas for GLOFs, and inform early warning systems.

7.2 Sustainable Water Management

Water conservation strategies, such as building small-scale reservoirs, improving irrigation efficiency, and promoting rainwater harvesting, can help communities adapt to irregular water supplies. Upgrading infrastructure to reduce water waste and leakage is also vital.

7.3 Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Supporting farmers with access to drought-tolerant crops, modern irrigation techniques, and updated weather forecasting can reduce agricultural losses. Training programs and subsidies for adopting climate-smart farming practices will be essential in building resilience.

7.4 Reforestation and Ecosystem Protection

Reforestation projects can help stabilize slopes, reduce soil erosion, and enhance water retention in the region. Protecting existing forests and promoting sustainable tourism will also contribute to preserving Naran's natural environment.

7.5 Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness

Given the risk of sudden floods, investing in early warning systems, community education, and disaster response infrastructure is critical. These measures can save lives and reduce the economic impacts of climate-induced disasters.

8. The Role of Government and Policy Makers<

8.1 National Climate Action Plans

The Pakistani government has acknowledged the threats posed by climate change, but implementation of policies remains uneven. Experts call for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, greater investment in renewable energy, and focused development programs for vulnerable mountain regions like Naran.

8.2 Regional and International Cooperation

Climate change knows no borders. Pakistan must engage with neighboring countries, particularly those sharing the Himalayan watershed, to promote joint efforts in glacier monitoring, water management, and disaster preparedness. International organizations can also provide technical and financial support to bolster resilience efforts in Naran.

9. Raising Awareness and Community Participation

For solutions to be effective, local communities must be at the heart of decision-making. Educational campaigns, capacity-building programs, and support for community-led initiatives can empower residents to become active stewards of their environment.
Promoting responsible tourism, encouraging youth involvement in environmental projects, and incorporating traditional knowledge into climate strategies are all essential components of a people-centered approach to tackling the crisis.

10. Naran at a Crossroads

The valleys of Naran stand at a critical crossroads. The breathtaking glaciers, lush meadows, and fertile fields that have defined this region for generations are under threat from the twin crises of glacial melting and erratic weather patterns. Left unchecked, these forces could transform Naran from a thriving agricultural and tourism hub into a region plagued by water scarcity, food insecurity, and environmental degradation.
Yet, with coordinated action, investment in sustainable development, and strong community participation, Naran can still chart a path toward resilience. Protecting its glaciers, managing its water resources, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and safeguarding its environment are not just local priorities — they are essential for Pakistan’s broader efforts to confront climate change.
The future of Naran, and countless other mountain communities like it, depends on the choices made today. The world must heed the warning signs, support vulnerable regions, and work together to ensure that the natural beauty and life-giving resources of Naran endure for generations to come.

---

The problems of Kabul city and its impact on the lives of citizens.
Decrease in volume of water in the rivers of the USA.
Trade difficulties of landlocked countries.