Imagine a world where ancient wisdom battles modern climate crises. In the towering Himalayas of Pakistan, a remarkable Indigenous practice is emerging as a beacon of hope against the looming threat of water scarcity. But here's where it gets controversial... While some see it as a lifeline, others question its long-term viability in the face of relentless climate change. Welcome to the world of glacier grafting, a centuries-old technique that’s as fascinating as it is contentious.
Skardu, Pakistan – As the country grapples with the devastating effects of rising temperatures melting its glaciers, communities in the high-altitude Himalayan region are turning to glacier grafting, a traditional method, to combat water scarcity. Pakistan, home to an estimated 13,000 glaciers, ranks among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable nations, despite contributing less than one percent of global emissions. This stark contrast highlights the injustice of climate change, where those least responsible often suffer the most.
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As global warming intensifies, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warns that the impact of melting glaciers is “likely to be significant.” This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a matter of survival for millions.
What is glacier grafting?
Glacier grafting, locally known as glacier marriage, is an ingenious technique that involves “planting” ice at carefully selected high-altitude locations to create new artificial glaciers. Experts trace its origins back centuries, rooted in both practicality and spirituality. The process includes storing ice from glaciers closer to human settlements during periods of water scarcity, ensuring a steady supply when natural sources dwindle.
According to Zakir Hussain Zakir, a professor and researcher at the University of Baltistan in Skardu, the earliest recorded instance of glacier grafting dates back to the 14th century. The Sufi saint Mir Syed Ali Hamadani grafted a glacier in the village of Giyari, not just for water but as a strategic defense against invaders. Over time, this practice evolved into a vital method for managing water scarcity in one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
Across the border in Ladakh, India, similar traditional knowledge is used to preserve ice through techniques like the “ice stupa.” This relatively newer method involves spraying water in freezing temperatures to create conical ice structures that remain frozen longer due to their shape and reduced sun exposure. And this is the part most people miss... While modern solutions often dominate climate discussions, these ancient practices remind us of the power of Indigenous innovation.
How is glacier grafting carried out?
The process is as intricate as it is symbolic. “Male” and “female” ice, sourced from different locations, are brought together to form an artificial glacier. Male ice, typically black, and female ice, lighter in color, are believed to provide distinct benefits, with female ice enhancing agricultural productivity. Volunteers collect around 200kg of each type, often traveling on foot for days through treacherous terrain, carrying the ice in traditional wooden cages.
The procedure requires specific materials—coal, grass, salt, and water from seven different streams—and is steeped in rituals. Before heading to the grafting site, participants recite Quranic verses, perform spiritual rituals, and pray for success. Throughout the process, they adhere to strict environmental and cultural practices, avoiding plastics, immoral actions, and consuming only locally produced foods.
At the site, a small trench is dug in a safe area, away from avalanche or flood risks. The male and female ice pieces are layered together, mixed with salt, coal, and grass, and water from the seven streams is slowly dripped over them to bind the layers. Over months, the pieces fuse into a single ice mass. If seasonal snowfall occurs, the mass gradually develops into a glacier. After surviving at least three years and enduring seasonal snow cycles, the artificially grafted glacier expands, becoming a reliable water source.
Rituals, discipline, and collective labor
What sets glacier grafting apart from modern technical interventions is its deep spiritual and cultural significance. Ice pieces are never allowed to touch the ground and must remain in continuous motion from collection to planting. Vehicles transporting the ice are often kept running, and participants are forbidden from speaking, using plastic, or relieving themselves near the site. Even fatigue is addressed with discipline—a tired volunteer passes the ice to another without resting.
Historically, the process concludes with the singing of Gang Lho, a local melody addressed to the glacier as a living being. These songs, filled with emotion and reverence, reflect the community’s deep connection to the ice. Volunteers and villagers often shed tears, praying for the glacier’s survival, knowing their own livelihoods depend on it.
How long does glacier grafting take? Is it guaranteed to survive?
A successfully grafted glacier can start supplying water within two decades, making it a long-term investment in water security. However, the process is fragile, vulnerable to natural failures, lack of snowfall, temperature drops, and even conflict. Zakir warns, “In abnormal climatic conditions, such as during war, the process may fail.” The militarization of glacier regions by India and Pakistan poses additional threats, as bullets, soldier movement, and equipment harm these delicate ecosystems.
Can glacier grafting solve water scarcity problems?
While glacier grafting offers a powerful example of Indigenous resilience, it may not fully address Pakistan’s melting glacier crisis, especially as temperatures continue to rise. Since the 1950s, Pakistan’s mean temperature has increased by 1.3 degrees Celsius, twice the global average. Yet, the practice remains a testament to the ingenuity of Indigenous knowledge and collective care.
Locals emphasize that glacier grafting is more critical than ever, countering water scarcity and erratic snowfall that disrupt irrigation, domestic consumption, and livestock. However, they fear the practice is fading as younger generations migrate to urban areas, drawn to tourism, education, and business. This shift threatens the intergenerational transfer of Indigenous knowledge, raising questions about its survival.
Thought-provoking question for you: Can ancient practices like glacier grafting truly compete with modern climate challenges, or are they destined to become relics of a bygone era? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center (https://pulitzercenter.org/).
