SECTION - 2

SOCIO ECONOMIC SETTINGS

2.0

GENERAL SOCIO ECONOMIC SETTINGS IN NORTHERN AREAS

2.0.1 INTRODUCTION
The Northern Areas, located far off from National grid have been facing severe shortage of
power. Power stations of small capacities were installed to provide electricity to main
towns/villages, which are now insufficient to meet the growing present and future demand.
Under the study named Comprehensive Planning of Hydropower Resources on Indus river
tributaries in Northern Areas out of 117 identified schemes only 4 sites were found most
promising and economical to develop. It can be planned that these schemes be interlinked,
resulting generation of surplus power which can be transmitted to the National grid through
a regional grid system after meeting the future demand of the Northern Areas. These
schemes not only contribute in exploitation of natural resources of the area but also helpful
in uplifting the socio economic conditions of the neglected people, settled in the scattered
valleys.
The Project area is spread over from Doyian village to Shah pul bridge along Astore river
which is a left tributary of river Indus. The dam site is proposed on river Astore about 500 m
downstream of confluence of Doyian nullah with river Astore. The intake sand trap,
headrace tunnel surge shaft pressure shaft and powerhouse are to be located on the right
side of the river. River Astore at its confluence with river Indus is accessible from GilgitAstore and Raikot-Astore roads. The proposed dam and powerhouse sites are on the way
to Astore and are easily accessible. There is a gauging station on river Astore at Doyian
which has been in operation since 1974. For the proposed Doyian project hydrological
record of 26 years have been used for analysis.
At the time of independence the socio economic conditions of the areas were miserable
and due to lack of basic physical infrastructural facilities it remained isolated and cut off
from the rest of the country. After independence the Government of Pakistan took keen
interest for the development of these areas. Planned efforts for the socio economic
development of Northern Areas were started in early sixties during the second five-year
plan (1960-65). The development has taken place since then but the perspective of
sustained development extended in 6 th five year plan (1983-88) in which a sum of Rs
1455.02 million was spent against an allocation of Rs 1471.74 million showing 99%
utilization of fund where as in seventh plan (1988-93) it was 100%. During 8 th Five Year
plan (1993-98) however, utilization was one half of the allocated amount of Rs. 5140
million.
2.0.2 AREA AND TOPOGRAPHY
The Northern Area is located in the extreme North of Pakistan. It extends from 34 o-40 to
37o-04 North latitudes and 72 o-30 to77o-50 East longitudes. It is bounded in the North by
Afghanistan and China, in the East the occupied territories of Ladakh and Kashmir, Chitral
in the West and Kalam, Kohistan and Kaghan Valleys in the South. The newly independent
Republic of Tajikistan is only a handshake away. The area is spread over 72496 sq. km.
The entire area is characterized by the high mountains. The general elevation of the area is
4000 meters. The Karakoram range runs in a North-West, South East direction along
Pakistan China border. It possesses a number of peaks above 7000 meters high. Its
highest peak K-2 which is the highest second peak of the world is 8611 meters high. Two
other important peaks are Gasherbrum (8068 meters) and Mashebrum (7820 meters). The
Gasherbrum and Baltoro glaciars streach in the vicinity of these peaks. In Rakaposhi
mountain the most important peak is Rakaposhi which is 7788 meters high. High mountain
2-1

are also found in the southern part of the area where the most important peak is Nanga
Parbat which is 8126 meters high. Siachin the longest glacier in the world (72 km) is also
in this area. There are several valleys and small plain tracts formed by the rivers and
streams.
River Indus is the most important river of the area. It enters in the Northern Area at a place
named Moral top. Important tributaries of the Indus are Shyok, Shighar, Gilgit and Astore
rivers.
2.0.3 ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP
Administratively the Northern Areas is divided into five districts namely Gilgit, Ghizer,
Skardu, Diamir and Ghanche.
Districts are headed by Deputy Commissioners where as the sub-divisions are headed by
Assistant Commissioners. As per April 1994 Administrative Package the Minister for
Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas has been designated as Chief Executive for Northern
Area, being the head of government. There is also a Northern Areas Council consisting of
28 members, which exercises financial and administrative powers. Under local government
set up there are 103 union councils, five district councils and five municipal committees
having 861 members. These councils identify, prepare and executive micro development
schemes. The Department of Local Bodies and Rural Development supports the council in
performance of these functions by providing staff and finance at all levels. The local
participation is generally in the shape of free land and labour. The local bodies are engaged
in the development efforts particularly in construction of rural roads, irrigation channel,
small culverts and bridges. Since July, 1994, drinking water supply and sanitation projects
have been established in 400 villages at a cost of Rs 700 million with the assistance of the
World Bank. The judicial set up consists of Chief Court whose Chairman is the retired
Judge of Provincial High Court and five districts and session judges, one in each district.
At the time of independence the socio-economic conditions of the areas were deplorable
and in the absence of basic infrastructural facilities it remained isolated. After
independence the Government of Pakistan took keen interest for socio economic uplift of
the area. Planned efforts for socio economic development of Northern Areas started in
early sixties but the quick jump was made in sixth five year plan to accelerate the pace of
socio economic development of Northern Areas.
2.0.4 POPULATION
The increase in population of Northern Areas has increased by about 54% during 1981 to
1998, of 2.57%. The overall urban proportion for Northern Areas has increased from 8.34
percent in 1981 to 14.05 percent in 1998. The density of population increased from 8
persons per sq. km in 1981 to 12 person per sq. km in 1998. If the population continues to
grow at its present rate it is likely to double in 26 years unless some effective measures are
taken to reduce birth rate. In rural areas population concentration is mostly around rivers
and streams. Majority of the villages are spread out on both sides of rivers/streams.
The study of population as well as its growth and distribution is highly important to forecast
load of the areas which is based on this parameter. With the objective in view the detailed
analysis of the information, contained in 1981 and 1998 census (brief) of Northern Areas
was made. Data collected from Deputy Commissioners / Assistant Commissioners was also
considered. The population of Northern Area is unevenly distributed among its district. The
District Skardu has the maximum population i.e. 25.40% while Ghanche, the minimum i.e.
10.08%. Urban and rural annual growth rates are the highest in Diamir district and lowest in
Ghanche district. Population of Northern area (Tehsil-wise) is given in Table 2-1.
Field enquiries show that majority of house holds were inhabited by single families.
According to 1998 population census average size of household of the Northern Areas
2-2

comes to 7.9 persons as compared to 7.1 persons in 1981. Variation in the average
households size exist among districts. It is the highest in Diamir district i.e. 8.2 persons per
house hold and the lowest in Ghanche district i.e. 6.7 persons per house hold.
2.0.5 MIGRATION
Field survey shows that a small percentage of permanent migration of population is taking
place from rural areas to Gilgit, Skardu and Diamir urban areas mainly of educated/skilled
persons. The NAPWD is already facing problems in providing drinking water, sanitation and
electricity facilities due to population growth but the seasonal migration are causing further
threat on these facilities. Various forms of migration have been reported in the Northern
Areas. Firstly there is a periodic migration when people go on appointment or transfer to
other parts of the state and visit their families occasionally. Secondly a number of students
are studying in other parts of the country and come to their villages on vocations or special
occasions. Thirdly there is a seasonal migration which takes place during winter from the
area of high altitude due to extreme cold. People along their cattle move to the lower part
where pasture fields can be found as summer approaches these people return to their
houses in the upper part with their cattle.
2.0.6 EDUCATION
Education plays an important role in human capital formation. It raises the productive
efficiency of individual and produce skilled manpower, capable of leading the economy of
the area to the path of sustainable development. No doubt the promotion of education
remained a matter of concern for the policy makers, fully aware of this social change and
did their best for the expansion of education opportunities even then the education
conditions are not encouraging. Low literacy ratio, low enrolment rates, lack of trained
teachers and poor physical infrastructure schools/colleges indicate the poor performance of
this aspect. At the time of independence there were 3 middle schools, one each in Gilgit,
Astore and Skardu. According to 1981 census population the literacy ratio in the entire
Northern Areas was 14.7% (24.24% male and 3.39 female). The literacy ratio in urban
areas is 36.8 percent compared to 12.6 percent in rural areas, which is even poor when
compared to the state where it is 47.1 percent (59.0 percent male and 35.4 percent
female).
At present there are six degree colleges, four in Gilgit and one each in Ghizer and Diamir.
Five Intermediate Colleges, two in Diamir, and one each in Gilgit, Skardu and Ghacha also
exist.
During the survey it was observed that the number of schools is increasing and people are
very keen to get their children educated. Agha Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) is
also taking great interest to develop education facilities in the Northern Areas.
Primary education has been the top priority within education sector as is evident from the
fact that half of the budget allocation had been earmarked for the promotion of primary
education. Enrolment data given in Table 2-2 when compared to previous years indicate a
steady increase in students at primary, middle and secondary and college levels of
education.
Social Action Programme was started started during 1993-94 with the assistance of foreign
donors providing 25% of total outlay while 75% by the G.O.P, the programme addressed to
the need of primary education, besides basic health, nutrition programme, rural water
supply and sanitation. Against the planned allocation of Rs 432 million in the 8 th Five Year
Plan (1993-94 to 1997-98) for Northern Areas. Education statistics (District-wise) is given in
Table 2-2

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2.0.7 TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION

Transport and communication network is among the most important of basic infrastructures.
The development of the area is largely dependent on its efficiency. At the time of
independence the areas had inherited highly deplorable network having fine seasonal
ponytracks, thirteen-foot suspension bridges and Kacha Airport at Gilgit which was built
only for emergency purpose.
An efficient transport and communication system is not only pre-requisite for economic
development but is also essential for economic cooperation among areas, particularly in
trade and tourism. Transportation itself is not a producing sector but is a link for other
developing sectors.
Although the present network is not adequate even then NAPWD has been taking keen
interest for the development of this sector. Union Councils are also making efforts to
improve road condition. Most of the valleys have been linked with jeep-able tracks. Isolated
villages have been connected with road heads through bridges. All district headquarters
have been linked up with metalled roads except two new districts Ghizar and Ghanche. In
winter transportation in many parts becomes very difficult and it takes time to have a free
flow of traffic. Every type of facility is available in Gilgit and Skardu. Both the district are
linked to the national capital Islamabad by road and air. PIA operates regular Boeing and
Folker flights (subject to weather conditions) from Skardu to Islamabad and Folker flight
from Gilgit to Islamabad. Regular coach, bus and wagon services operate from Gilgit to
China on Karakoram Highway. NATCO also operates daily bus services during tourist
season from Gilgit to Khunjerab Pass and across upto Pirali. Locals and foreigners must
posses valid visa from China. These are 65 PCOs, 48 telephone exchanges, 3219
telephones and 98 post offices in Nothern Areas. The detail of achievements is shown in
Table 2-3 and 2-4.
2.0.8 AGRICULTURE
The agriculture sector of the Northern Areas is showing positive growth but at a slow rate
due to inherent constraints of poor infrastructure and smallholdings. Majority of population
is engaged in this sector even then the area is deficit in food grain. A mix of different
activities are followed in the farming system. There may be variation in farm size or in the
status of minor crops in the overall cropping practices but the general combination of crops,
livestock and other farm related activities are more or less the same. Approximately more
than 90% of rural population depend upon this occupation. Land use statistics shows that
about 58 thousand hectares of land is under cultivation, out of which 46 thousands hectare
is under cereals, 10 thousand hectare under fruits and 14 hundred hectares are under
vegetable/potato, in the entire Northern Areas. Wheat, Barley and vegetable are rabi crops
whereas maize, potato, millet and pulses are kharif crops. District-wise land utilization is
given in Table 2-5.
The total production of food grain is approximately 87,152 tons which is not sufficient to
fulfill the requirements of the areas. 20,000 metric tons of wheat, 1313 metric tons of sugar
and 392 metric tons of salt is provided annually on subsidized rates. In addition about
28712 tons of flour is brought from down country by the private traders.
The Agriculture Department is doing its utmost to increase crops and fruits production
through various schemes of seed production and multiplication development of horticulture
and plants protection operation schemes for land reclamation and construction of irrigation
channels for agriculture are also under way. It is estimated that 40 thousand additional
hectares will be brought under plough by providing irrigation facilities.
At present there are forty-two fruits nurseries and eleven-agriculture farm consisting of
162.7 hectares. District wise nurseries farms and areas are presented in Table 2-6.

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2.0.9 LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Livestock contributes a great deal to the local economy. It is not only a source of income
but also serve dietary purposes. Large herds of Yaks, Cattle, Sheep and Goats are found in
Northern Areas, however physical condition and general health of the animals are not
satisfactory, especially in winter due to shortage of fodder. Bullocks are the main source of
farm power but they are hardly capable of drawing plough due to poor health. Cow, sheeps
and goats are also lean and then. Animals diseases are causing considerable losses to the
livestock. Productivity of cattle is generally low because of severe weather condition and
lack of proper feed. Meat, milk, butter and eggs are the main livestock products but most of
these are consumed at the household level. At certain places, milk, meat, animal hides,
wool and poultry are sold. According to 1996 livestock census the population district wise
as shown in Table 2-7.
AKRSP and Animal Husbandry Department under UNDP aided project have introduced
improved breed of livestock and poultry. It is hoped that after completion of the project at
least 75% demand for meat milk and poultry will be met through domestic production.
Private investors are also taking part to increase its population as they have established
more than a dozen poultry farms which are meeting 50% demand for chicks in the market.
The work to protect and promote livestock is in progress and the centres involved in these
efforts are shown in Table 2-8.
2.0.10 FISHERIES
The area has extensive water potential for the development of inland fisheries. There are
eight major rivers and 121 streams that drain water in Indus River besides lakes over an
area of 570 hectares including Sadpara (48 hectares).
Clean water is ideal for trout while the muddy water breads local fish species. The brown
trout was introduced during 1988 which has multiplied through hatchery produced
fingerlings. The detail of trout hatcheries/farms/nursery and carp breeding farm is given in
Table 2-9.
2.0.11 FORESTRY
Forestry is important for fuel, timber and in some cases ranches in addition to control of soil
erosion and reduction silt load in lakes and rivers. Beside being an environmental assest,
these forests are the source of revenue for Government and the private owners. In the
Northern Areas only Diamir district is rich in forests while the other districts have nominal
forests of Juniper, fir and birch. In the entire area the forest occupy some 11,00 sq. miles of
which 252 sq miles under the Government and the remaining are privately owned forests.
At present there are 17 forest nurseries over an area of 10 hectares and 33-forest
plantation over an area of 837 hectare even then there is much scope for its improvement.
To encourage and involve the people to grow more forests a Social Forestry Program has
been initiated by the Government with the collaboration of AKRSP / NRSP which will
develop additional forests. Besides planting trees over private land are also invited by the
people on trial basis in return of monthly emoluments.
Area under forest and number of nurseries are shown in Table 2-10.
2.0.12 TRADE & COMMERCE
Since most of the parts of the Northern Areas are without electricity as such there are
limited number of small enterprises are in operation like saw mills, grinding mills, wood
spinning, hand looms, fruit drying, flour mills and pattu weaving. These units provide the
basic needs of the local people as the demand of tourists for local products are displayed
2-5

at cities. Trade and commerce is an important activity in urban areas especially Gilgit, Sost
and Skardu which the biggest commercial centers having road links with other parts of the
Northern Areas. The entire Pak-China trade takes place through Sost. Traders have also
direct commercial connection with business centers in Pakistan.
2.0.13 INCOME DISTRIBUTION
Reducing poverty and alleviating the unequal income distribution have always been the
goal of development plans in Pakistan as well as in Northern Area. Income distribution is
worse in rural areas as compared to urban areas due to low growth rate and limited
resources, vicious circle of poverty cannot be alleviated without raising the level of human
development.
The household income is estimated / derived from various farming activities and the other
sources of income such as wages salaries, pension, shop keeping, trade and small scale
industries. Average household income varies from area to area. The average income based
on the sample survey of the Northern Areas are presented in Table 2-11. It appears that the
available land cannot provide enough income to the farmers. The topographical conditions
and smallholding restrict farmers income from crop sector. Due to limited employment
opportunities, transport and marketing problems of high value crops people have to look for
jobs or business in and outside their villages to earn their living. Since in most of the rural
areas there is high level of agricultural activity as such people have high livestock holdings.
This is the reason that income level integrated small public works programs, which will be
implemented with the collaboration of private sector. The only powerful mean to improve
this aspect is that local government will identify, formulate and execute the development
scheme in close association with local community and non-governmental organization in a
transparent way. The rural schemes include farm to market roads/tracks, soil conservation
repair and resurfacing of small rural roads. These schemes are expected to contribute to
agriculture and rural development, easier access to market increase employment,
opportunities, better access to health, education and social amenities by increasing their
source of income. It has been observed that social sector is not receiving the attention it
deserves. To improve the social indicators the Social Action Program was also launched.
2.0.14 TOURISM
The whole of Northern Areas is known as the paradise for mountaineers, climbers, trekkers,
hikers, painters and photographers. The area is well known in Pakistan for its scenic beauty
and high mountains. The three mighty mountain ranges i.e. the North West Himalayas, the
Karakoram and the Hindukush are the unique place of the world. These are not only the
geographical phenomenon but also part of history and civilization in the past. Through
these passes Buddhism reached China and other far eastern countries which has become
the part of many cultures.
Hunza, Naltar, Phandar, Yasin, Deosai plain, Astore and Skardu are the valleys of immense
beauty like Swat, Naran and Kaghan in the Northern Areas. Skardu has a historic fort
known as castle of queen Mindoq and two lovely lakes, Kachura and Satpara which are
28.95 km and 8.04 km from Skardu respectively. In Diamer district there is Rama Lake,
covered with snow, is a place of worth seeing. Shigar valley 32.18 km from Skardu is the
gateway to the mountain peaks of the Karakoram.
The cultural pattern in these areas is as interesting as its topography. The people with their
typical costumes, folk dance and sport provide an interesting study. The tourist season
remain in full swing from April to October. During the mountaineering season the
Government collects million of rupees from trekking groups. The increasing numbers of
mountaineering and trekking expeditions have created pollution problem. The Government
started receiving US$ 200 per expedition party to overcome this problem since 1989.

2-6

2.1 SOCIO ECONOMIC SETTINGS IN PROJECT AREA

Doyian covering 890 acres, is a village of Union Council Bunji in Tehsil Astore, District
Diamir. Astore is a part of Nothern Areas of Pakistan lying in Upper Indus Valley between
the Himalayas on the South and Karakoram on the North.
2.1.1 RIVER SYSTEM
The project area has one important river, namely Astore which flows almost through middle
of the project area. The river Astore joins river Indus near Bunji. The important tributaries of
Astore river in the project area are Kalapani, Gudai and Parishing.
2.1.2 CLIMATE
The climate is characterized by severe snowfall in winter and cool pleasant summer. The
summer season in the low lying valleys is hot but at high altitudes is very pleasant.
Similarly, winter season at high altitudes is extremely cold as compared to the valleys.
June, July and August are the most pleasant months, while December, January and
February are the coldest months. There is a sparse rainfall in summer and precipitation
during winter is in the form of heavy snow fall at higher altitude.
2.1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP
Doyian lies in Astore tehsil of district Diamir which is headed by the Deputy Commissioner
and tehsil is headed by Assistant Commissioner. Cases of land settlement, land record and
water rights are decided by the Tehsildar of each tehsil. He also works as Magistrate Ist
class, civil suits are decided by a civil judge. The technical support to the administration is
provided by various departments of the Federal Government in Astore city, e.g., NAPWD,
Agriculture, Forest, Education and Health.
2.1.4 POPULATION
The population of Doyian as per 1998 census figures at 1590. It grew at a growth rate of
1.77% since the last census, held in 1981. Single families inhabitant most of the area with
an average of 9.1 person per household. It is interesting to note that majority of houses are
dispersed and located all along the mountains as the people live on farm land. An
interesting aspect, observed in most of the community is that the household has many
children, old people and female population. The young male do not remain in the village
due to lack of employment opportunities in the region.
2.1.5 MIGRATION
Various forms of migration have been reported. Firstly there is a periodic migration when
people go on appointment or transfer to other parts of the country and visit their families
occasionally. Secondly a number of students are studying in the other parts of the country
and come to their villages on vacation or on special occasions. Thirdly there is a seasonal
migration which takes place during winter form the area of high altitude due to extreme
cold. People alongwith their cattle move to the lower part where pasture fields can be
found. As the summer approaches, these people return to their houses in the upper parts
with their cattle.
2.1.6 LOAD CENTRE
Load centres have been selected on the basis of location and population concentration of
villages/towns along Astore river and its tributaries. Doyian has been categorized `C` for the
purpose.
2.1.7 EDUCATION
Education facilities have been provided to a large number of school going children
especially in Astore (HQ).

2-7

The literacy ratio in Doyian is 39.3 %. During the survey it was observed that the number of
schools is increasing and people are very keen to get their children educated. AKRSP is
also taking great interest to develop education facilities in the Nothern Areas.
2.1.8 UTILITIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES
No facility of electricity, water supply, drainage and medical service are available in Doyian
project area. Efforts are being made to provide various social services in the area. A
number of schemes for water supply have been sanctioned by local Government and Rural
Development (LG & RD) in the annual development program to extend drinking water
supply. It may be pointed out, however, that the location in many villages is such that
access to safe water supply may not be possible. Some of the people have made their own
arrangement to bring piped water from nearby streams.
2.1.9 PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The network of metalled road, in the project area is extremely inadequate whereas the
physical conditions of unmetalled roads are not even satisfactory. The Union Council is
making efforts to improve road conditions.
In winter transportation in many parts becomes very difficult and it takes time to have a free
flow of traffic. The area is not well linked with other parts of Nothern Areas and Pakistan by
road. Transport facility is available. Jeeps/Wagons provide the means of transportation. A
number of bridges have been constructed to approach different parts of the region.
2.1.10 OCCUPATIONAL LEVEL
The survey of socio-economic conditions shows that a great number of people are
engaged in agriculture sector. Reported employment in agriculture is 42 percent. 26 percent
in trade and 32 percent in the services sector.
For most of the households in the rural area, agriculture is not necessarily the only
occupation. A person may be a trader but he may also be engaged in agriculture. Similarly
a pensioner with some agricultural holding may also have a shop in the bazar.
The main source of income is agriculture. There are many households who have livestock
as their additional occupation.
2.1.11 LAND TENURE
The majority of land in this region is divided into small plots, ranging mostly from less than a
hectare. According to the Census of Agriculture 1980, 62 percent of the farms were below 1
hectare, while those between 1-2 hectare were 21 percent. Only 17 percent of the farms
had an area above 2 hectare in district Diamir.
The large family size has implied rapid sub-division of land to the point where it is no longer
possible for most farmers to support their families through agriculture alone. As a result,
young men leave the rural areas to seek employment in cities and towns.
2.1.12 AGRICULTURE
A mixture of different activities are followed in the farming system. There may be some
variation in the farm size or in the status of minor crops in the overall cropping practices but
the general combination of crops, livestock and other farm related activities are more or
less the same. Most of the cultivated area is under cereals. Wheat and maize are the main
crops. Barley is also grown. Shaftall and lucern or alfalfa is grown as a perennial crop
which is the most popular fodder for livestock throughout the year. Majority of the trees are
grown on the field boundaries. A special importance is given to the cultivation of fruits.
Fruits are grown for household consumption as well as for sale in dry form. The agriculture
department is making serious efforts to improve crops and fruits production through various
schemes of seed production and multiplication, development of horticulture and plant
2-8

protection operations. Schemes for land reclamation and construction of irrigation channels
are also under way to bring more area under plough.
2.1.13 LIVESTOCK
Livestock contributes a great deal to the local economy. However, physical condition and
general health of the animals is not satisfactory, especially in winter due to the shortage of
fodder. Bullocks are the main source of farm power, but they are hardly capable of drawing
plough due to poor health. Cows, sheeps and goats are also lean and thin. Animal
diseases cause considerable losses to the livestock. Productivity of cattle is generally low
because of severe winter and lack of proper feed. Meat, milk, butter and eggs are the main
animal/poultry products but most of these are consumed at the household level. At some
places milk, meat, animal hides, wool and poultry are sold.
2.1.14 FORESTRY
Forestry is important for fuel, timber and in some cases ranches, in addition of soil erosion
and reduction of silt load in lakes and rivers. Besides, being an environmental asset, these
forests are revenue sources for government and owners. In Nothern areas only Diamir
district is rich in forest while the other four districts have nominal forest of Juniper. The
forests consist of Deodar, Kail, Chalgoza Pine, Junipers Polar, Spruce, and shurb
consisting of Rosa, Viburnum, and Lunicer species.
Forest products are more than sufficient to meet the requirements of fuel, fodder and wood
of the area. The survey showed that these are of primary importance for every household.
Deodars and pines grow in clumps on the hills. In the village and along the road side where
water is available, Poplar and Willows as well as fruit trees grow freely.
To encourage and involve the people to grow more forest, a Social Forestry Programme
has been initiated by the Government with the assistance of AKRSP/ NRSP. A new
programme of planting trees over private land by the people them-selves in return for
emoluments is being started during the current year on trial basis. This free gift of nature is
being operated un-satisfactorily where there exists much scope for its improvement.
2.1.15 SMALL SCALE AND COTTAGE INDUSTRY
Since most of the parts of the region has electricity hence there are number of small
enterprises like saw mills, grinding mills, wood spinning, hand looms, fruit drying, flour mills
and pattu weaving are in operation. These units provide the basic needs of the local people
and also fulfill the demand of tourists for local products, displayed at local shops.
2.1.16 TRADE AND COMMERCE
Trade and commerce is negligible in the region
2.1.17 INCOME DISTRIBUTION
The household income is derived from many farm activities, crops, livestock, fruit, etc., but
the income from other sources is significant and important. These sources are wages,
salaries, pension, shop keeping, trade and small scale industries. It appears that the
available land cannot provide enough income to the farmers. The topographical conditions
and small holdings restrict farmers income from crop sector. Due to limited employment
opportunities, transportation and marketing problems of high value crops, people have to
look for jobs or business in and outside their villages to make their living.
2.1.18 TOURISM
Astore is among the valleys of immense beauty like Hunza, Deosai, Swat, Kaghan and
having lonely lake. Rama which is about 10 km from head quarter. The cultural pattern in
these areas are as interesting as its topography. The people with their typical costumes,
folk dance, and sport provide an interesting study. Astore valley, is also the gateway to the
mountain peaks of the Karakorams (Nanga Parbat). The tourist season remains in full
2-9

swing from April to October. There is a continuous flow of tourists in the area from all parts
of Pakistan and China and the tourist industry is developing. Keeping in view the past trend
it is expected that tourist traffic will increase further in future.
Sources:
Hydropower Projects in Region-2, Astore, Vol-II Chapter 2,3 & 4, HEPO Sunny View
Lahore.
1998 District Census Report of Baltistan, Census Publication No. 135, Population Census
Organization, Statistics Division - Government of Pakistan, Islamabad - January 2001.

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SECTION - 2
SOCIO ECONOMIC SETTINGS
Table of Contents
Sr.#
2.0

Description

GENERAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTINGS IN NORTHERN AREAS.....................................1

2.0.1
2.0.2
2.0.3
2.0.4
2.0.5
2.0.6
2.0.7
2.0.8
2.0.9
2.0.10
2.0.11
2.0.12
2.0.13
2.0.14
2.1

Page #

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 1
AREA AND TOPOGRAPHY............................................................................................. 1
ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP.............................................................................................. 2
POPULATION.................................................................................................................. 2
MIGRATION.................................................................................................................... 3
EDUCATION.................................................................................................................... 3
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION..................................................................4
AGRICULTURE............................................................................................................... 4
LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL HUSBANDRY................................................................................5
FISHERIES..................................................................................................................... 5
FORESTRY..................................................................................................................... 5
TRADE & COMMERCE................................................................................................... 6
INCOME DISTRIBUTION................................................................................................ 6
TOURISM........................................................................................................................ 6

SOCIO ECONOMIC SETTINGS IN PROJECT AREA..............................................................7

2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
2.1.7
2.1.8
2.1.9
2.1.10
2.1.11
2.1.12
2.1.13
2.1.14
2.1.15
2.1.16
2.1.17
2.1.18

RIVER SYSTEM.............................................................................................................. 7
CLIMATE......................................................................................................................... 7
ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP.............................................................................................. 7
POPULATION.................................................................................................................. 7
MIGRATION.................................................................................................................... 7
LOAD CENTRE............................................................................................................... 8
EDUCATION.................................................................................................................... 8
UTILITIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES................................................................................8
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE......................................................................................8
OCCUPATIONAL LEVEL................................................................................................. 8
LAND TENURE................................................................................................................ 8
AGRICULTURE............................................................................................................... 9
LIVESTOCK..................................................................................................................... 9
FORESTRY..................................................................................................................... 9
SMALL SCALE AND COTTAGE INDUSTRY....................................................................9
TRADE AND COMMERCE............................................................................................10
INCOME DISTRIBUTION.............................................................................................. 10
TOURISM...................................................................................................................... 10

TABLES
2.1
Population of Northern Area
2.2
Education Statistics of Northern Area
2.3
Road Network in Northern Area
2.4
Communication Services in Northern Area
2.5
Land Usage Statistics
2.6
Fruit Nurseries and Agricultural Farms
2.7
Livestock Census of Northern Area
2.8
Animal Husbandry in Northern Area
2.9
Hatcheries/Farms/Nurseries in Northern Area
2.10 Under Forest in Northern Area
2.11 Average Income per Household in Northern Area

SECTION 2
SOCIO ECONOMIC SETTINGS