Tholdi: In the heart of the Karakoram Mountains, the remote valley of Tholdi is experiencing a significant transformation through a newly implemented water management initiative. The Coca-Cola Foundation, in collaboration with the Mountain and Glacier Protection Organization (MGPO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pakistan, has launched the 'Water Security and Building Resilience for Mountain Communities' project to address the critical water needs of this underserved region in Khaplu district, Baltistan.
For generations, Tholdi's residents have relied heavily on glacial meltwater for crop irrigation. However, factors such as climate change and inefficient water channels have rendered these sources increasingly unreliable. The MGPO reports that nearly half of the water was previously lost due to transmission inefficiencies, exacerbating food insecurity and forcing many to seek employment in urban centers.
In response to these challenges, the new initiative aims to secure sustainable water access for agricultural and domestic purposes. With an investment of US$120,000 from The Coca-Cola Foundation, a comprehensive irrigation system has been developed to benefit Tholdi and neighboring areas like Daghoni and Siksa. The system includes a 9,900-foot-long water transmission network that significantly reduces water loss and boosts agricultural productivity.
Water sourced from glacial melt, snow, and a perennial spring is stored in a 7,000-gallon chamber before being distributed through a gravity-fed system. This infrastructure now irrigates 238 hectares of land, allowing the cultivation of various crops and revitalizing previously barren areas.
Beyond addressing water scarcity, the project has empowered 2,100 people with reliable access to water, enhancing their livelihoods. It has also economically uplifted 1,000 individuals by expanding farming opportunities. Community-led afforestation initiatives are underway, with plans to plant over 20,000 trees, contributing to environmental restoration and climate resilience.
To ensure the project's sustainability, community-led Monitoring and Maintenance Committees have been established, and a flow meter installed at intake points helps track water availability for adaptive planning. According to Aisha Khan, CEO of MGPO, the project has transformed barren lands into productive fields, providing both nutritional and financial benefits to the local community.
The 'Water Security and Building Resilience for Mountain Communities' initiative represents a crucial step in empowering communities and building climate resilience in Tholdi, offering hope for a future where water is managed efficiently and communities thrive despite environmental challenges.