Balochistan, a region celebrated for its vast deserts, rugged mountain ranges, and a coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea, is increasingly being seen as an economic treasure trove due to its rich mineral resources. However, this rush for resource extraction and large-scale infrastructure projects has brought with it some environmental concerns that need to bee look after. While development in this remote province is often framed as a path to prosperity, the unregulated nature of these activities is leaving a trail of Climatic concerns that could have far-reaching consequences for both the environment and the local communities that depend on it.
Mining is one of the most prominent industries driving Balochistan’s economic agenda. Rich deposits of coal, copper, gold, and other minerals have attracted both national and international companies eager to capitalise on these resources. However, much of the mining activity is carried out with minimal regard for environmental standards. Open-pit mining, which involves the removal of large sections of the earth’s surface, has resulted in widespread deforestation, soil erosion, and contamination of water sources. Toxic chemicals used in the extraction process, such as cyanide and mercury, often find their way into local water systems, polluting drinking water and devastating aquatic life.
The environmental fallout from unregulated mining has a direct impact on local livelihoods, particularly for those who rely on agriculture and livestock. The province’s delicate ecosystems, already strained by water scarcity and harsh climatic conditions, are now further compromised by industrial activities. In some areas, farmers report declining crop yields and reduced grazing lands, as mining operations encroach on arable land and disrupt natural water channels. This is a worrying trend in a region where food security is already a pressing issue due to its arid climate.
In addition to mining, large infrastructure projects, including roads, ports, and energy plants, are also reshaping Balochistan’s landscape. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at boosting connectivity and trade, is a prime example of the development in the region. While CPEC promises to transform Balochistan into a hub of economic activity, the construction of highways, railways, and the expansion of Gwadar Port has led to the a few concerns of natural habitats, which might result in worst cases of displacement of communities, and increased pressure on the region’s fragile ecosystems, if not handled well.
Deforestation is another critical issue linked to development in Balochistan. Large tracts of forested land are being cleared to make way for infrastructure projects, fuel the needs of expanding populations, and provide timber for construction. This loss of vegetation not only threatens biodiversity but also worsens the problem of desertification in an already arid region. The absence of trees accelerates soil erosion, reduces water retention, and contributes to the loss of fertile land, further endangering agriculture and local food systems.
The lack of effective environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms exacerbates these problems. Many development and extraction projects are undertaken without comprehensive environmental impact assessments, and even when regulations exist, they are often ignored in favour of short-term economic gains. The result is a cycle of environmental degradation that could take decades to reverse, if at all.
Local communities, who bear the brunt of this environmental degradation, often find themselves excluded from decision-making processes. The benefits of resource extraction and development rarely trickle down to these communities, who instead face the loss of livelihoods, health risks from pollution, and the destruction of their natural surroundings. In many cases, their concerns are ignored or suppressed, adding to the sense of marginalisation that has long fuelled unrest in Balochistan.
While development is essential for improving living standards and reducing poverty in Balochistan, it must not come at the cost of environmental sustainability. The province’s natural beauty and ecological resources are not only valuable in their own right but are also essential for the long-term wellbeing of its people. Without a more balanced approach that priorities sustainable development and includes stricter environmental protections, Balochistan risks losing the very resources that are vital for its future.
Articulated by Rukhsar Baloch an independent freelance journalist.
