Gupis, Ghizer: Constructing irrigation channels through the rugged mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan and turning barren land into productive farmland is a demanding, long-term undertaking. Despite these challenges, the Economic Transformation Initiative Gilgit-Baltistan (ETI-GB) is carrying out irrigation projects in the region that can rightly be described as engineering marvels.
Among the most notable of these is the 10.8-kilometre-long Khalti Kohal channel in the Gupis area of Ghizer District. Once complete, the channel will irrigate 1,711 acres of barren but cultivable land in Barodas.
Despite the impacts of climate change, recurring natural disasters, and severe geographical constraints, ETI and the residents of Khalti remain committed to the project. Their goal is to transform this vast tract of land into a lush, green agricultural landscape — a development expected to play a key role in changing the lives of 364 households in the area.
Economic Transformation Initiative Gilgit-Baltistan (ETI-GB) is a development program of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan cofunded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation(AICS).