ISLAMABAD: The German government, through its KfW Development Bank, has provided a grant of six million euros to Pakistan for monitoring over 5,000 melting glaciers in northern parts of the country, which contribute to about 80 per cent of river flow.

The grant will be provided to the Water & Power Development Authority (Wapda) for the Project Glacial Monitoring for Energy and Water Security in Pakistan for telemetric equipment in the lower stretches of the glaciated areas.

Secretary Economic Affairs Division Tariq Bajwa, Member Water Wapda Shoeib Iqbal and KfW country director Wolfgang Moellers signed the grant financing agreement here on Wednesday. First Secretary Sebastian Ernst from the German Embassy was also present on the occasion.

Officials from both sides appreciated the long-term development partnership with KfW.

Mr Moellers said: “Being the custodian of the largest number of glaciers outside the arctic, Pakistan can surely assume global leadership in addressing a critical aspect of climate change through this project.”

The solar power equipment will transmit glacial melt data for processing in Lahore. The data will be used to regulate hydropower generation, dam protection, and other reservoir management operations.

The Federal Flood Commission, the Flood Forecasting Division of the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Indus River Systems Authority will benefit from this information.

Two modern energy efficient buildings will be constructed in Lahore and Skardu for housing the staff and the sophisticated equipment.

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to vagaries of climate change, experiencing recurring flooding.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2016