Human mindset, attitudes, and behaviors as drivers of poor water quality management in Gahkuch, Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract

Population growth and development result in increased generation of waste causing drinking water sources to degrade. In Pakistan, poor water quality is one of the major environmental and health concern. Human mindset, knowledge, attitude, and behavior substantially define the quality of environment. This study was therefore aimed at examining human dimensions of water quality issues and constraint that human attitudes place on water quality management, in Gahkuch, Gilgit-Baltistan. This study made use of the quantitative survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to collect primary data. Recent literature on the water quality management and human attitudes was employed in the interpretation of the data. The results from this research include limitations in knowledge of environmental and health risks, community-based management, and insufficient implementation of water quality legislation. Local people are unaware of the consequences of their degrading behavior on the water sources and on their own health. The study suggests that to achieve effective water quality management, awareness campaigns, environmental education, active community participation and increased enforcement of legal measures can play major role.