Notwithstanding the devastating effects of rapid glacial melt brought on by climate change, the Asian Development Bank has introduced a new regional initiative called “glaciers to farms” that would support sustainable water usage and food security in Pakistan, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

The bank will carry out risk assessments of glacial melt in Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan with assistance from the Green Climate Fund’s Project preparation facility. This will serve as the scientific and technical foundation for the program that converts glaciers into farms.

Since the region’s temperatures are expected to climb by as much as 6 degrees Celsius by 2100, the loss of glacier mass puts the delicate ecosystem balance in jeopardy, endangering the water supply for hydropower and agriculture as well as the livelihoods of over 380 million people.

Up to 3.5 billion dollars from ADB, GCF, governments, development partners, and the private sector are anticipated to be mobilised for Glaciers to Farms, contingent upon board approvals from participating institutions.

The program will provide assistance to populations at risk from glacial melt, especially in mountainous areas, in addition to investments in agriculture and water.

According to the Punjab Health Department, 61 new dengue fever cases were registered in the province during the past 24 hours.

Rawalpindi had 48 cases, more than any other district. Lahore had four, Attock had three, and Chakwal and Faisalabad each had two. Sahiwal and Sialkot both reported a single case.

Punjab now has 7,395 cases for 2024, including 494 new cases in the last week alone. The Health Department has assured the public that hospitals are ready to handle the influx of patients and are adequately stocked with the drugs they need.

Today, the Sikh Yatrees will travel to Darbar Sahib Kartarpur to commemorate Baba Guru Nank Dev Ji’s 555th birthday.

They will make their final stop in Lahore on Wednesday after visiting Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad Gurjranwala.

During their visit, the Sikh Yatrees have praised the Pakistanis’ gracious hospitality and respect.

The evacuee trust property board’s food, transportation, and security arrangements left them feeling extremely satisfied.

Sikh women pilgrims have also talked about their pleasant experiences, mentioning how they were treated with respect while there.