Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan are raising alarms over a surge in unregulated placer gold mining that is endangering the region’s rivers, infrastructure, and the under-construction Diamer-Bhasha Dam. Recent inspections have led to fines and suspensions, but enforcement gaps persist. Main Developments Mining operations are extracting gold from riverbeds and streams across Gilgit-Baltistan, often using heavy machinery near bridges, roads, settlements, and agricultural land. The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GBEPA) has documented multiple violations, including the discharge of untreated wash water and debris into rivers without proper sedimentation controls. Oil and other materials leaking from generators and machinery are mixing with river water, which residents in many areas use for drinking and daily needs. The agency also reports that the construction of protection walls and the use of excavated material are altering natural river flows, diverting water toward vulnerable infrastructure and steep slopes, increasing erosion risks, especially during high-discharge periods. Read also: Why 500 Medical Students in AJK Face a Lost Year At project sites, no proper campsites, sanitation facilities, or mechanisms for solid waste disposal have been established, leading to improper waste management and potential public health hazards. The GBEPA stated that these actions breach environmental conditions of approval and endanger public safety. In a recent enforcement action, a placer gold mining company in Nasirabad, Hunza, was fined Rs1 million and had its operations suspended for violating environmental laws. The project premises were sealed, and the company was ordered to comply immediately with all regulations. Background Placer gold mining involves extracting gold from alluvial deposits in riverbeds and streams, a practice that has grown rapidly in Gilgit-Baltistan as local firms partner with national and multinational companies. The GBEPA’s director, Khadim Hussain, noted that the issue has become more serious in recent years due to widespread non-compliance with environmental laws. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, a major hydropower project under construction on the Indus River, is particularly at risk. Wapda’s general manager for the dam project has written to the GBEPA requesting measures to control sediment erosion caused by mining activities, which are taking place inside the proposed reservoir area from Basri to Raikot near Chilas. Separately, the executive engineer of the Communication and Works Department in Astore has asked the deputy commissioner to ban excavation activities near bridges over the Indus River, citing structural risks. Why It Matters The unregulated mining threatens not only the fragile ecosystem of Gilgit-Baltistan but also critical infrastructure, including the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, roads, bridges, and human settlements along riverbanks. The diversion of watercourses and dumping of excavated material can cause irreversible damage during periods of high river discharge, potentially leading to loss of life and property. Polluted river water used for drinking poses direct public health risks, while the lack of sanitation at mining sites adds to environmental degradation. The GBEPA and the minerals department lack sufficient human resources to monitor and enforce laws effectively, leaving the region vulnerable to continued violations. What's Next The GBEPA has signaled its intent to continue enforcement actions, as demonstrated by the fine and suspension in Hunza. However, without increased staffing and resources, monitoring and compliance remain challenging. Wapda’s request for sediment control measures highlights the urgency of addressing mining impacts on the dam project. Further actions may include targeted bans on excavation near bridges and increased inspections of mining sites across the region. The outcome of these efforts will determine whether the region’s rivers and infrastructure can be safeguarded from further harm.