MGPO CPI and IAUP Initiatives

Community Physical Infrastructure Project Askoli

Askoli is the last jeep head village on the expedition route to Mt K2, the second highest mountain in the world. This attracts a vast influx of adventure seekers to this region.

Mountains comprise 25% of the surface of the earth and together with their peripheral areas constitute 26% of the habitat of the world's population. They are also a source of fresh water for half of humanity. In the Northern Areas of Pakistan mountains constitute 94% of the land mass, but unfortunately the villages that constitute the peripheral area of the Central Karakorum National Park do not have access to clean drinking water. The seasonal income generated from a short period of tourist activity is enough to tide over extreme winter season but not enough to invest in community physical infrastructure projects.

MGPO initiated a CPI scheme in Askoli based on its integrated approach towards conservation to provide economic and social benefits in favor of the local community.

Reasons for Interventions

• Absence of clean drinking water.
• Wide spread gastro-intestinal and health related problems.
• Absence of public waste disposal facility
• Stagnation of water due to absence of drainage.
• Limited water for land cultivation
• Status of community marginalized and impoverished.

Old drain in Askoli		New drain in Askoli

Project Components

• Constructions of water reservoir and branch lines with clean water tap connections.
• Construction of drain and waste water disposal.
• Construction of toilets and bathing facility for males and females.
• Construction of irrigation water supply scheme to bring additional land under cultivation.

Old drinking water source		New water reservoir

Results

• Reduction in gastro-intestinal and other diseases.
• Improvement in hygiene and sanitation.
• Monetary savings and poverty alleviation.
• Food security.
• Improvement in the quality of lives.

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