Institutional challenges in reducing disaster risks in the remote city of Hindukush-Karakorum-Himalayan (HKH) region, Pakistan

The number of disasters caused by climate change and extreme weather events has increased in recent decades. The Hindukush-Karakorum-Himalayan region is particularly susceptible to multiple hazards. This region's remote settlements further exacerbate the vulnerabilities and risks. Gilgit city is considered a highly vulnerable settlement in the region. This study examines the challenges that authorities face in mitigating disasters and climate change risks. Primary data for this study was collected through expert interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to identify key institutional challenges in the city. The results show that authorities still use conventional methods for monitoring and analyzing data related to natural hazards. Land-use planning is greatly lacking in the region, making it even more vulnerable to disasters. Major institutional challenges include a lack of public participation, limited access to vulnerable sites, unavailability of trained and well-equipped human resources, budget constraints, weak land-use and building bylaws, and a lack of risk-based master planning. There is an urgent need to develop and implement climate-sensitive development and land-use plans in the region in order to minimize future climate and disaster risks. [Display omitted]