TO promote natural growth of forests, windfall, dry and deceased trees are harvested to provide a congenial environment for green and newly-grown plants in the forests.

This kind of harvesting takes place in developed countries for the promotion of forests in the area which is considered to be important for the environment.

The harvesting of forests is taking place in Chitral district, especially in Kalash valley. Bypassing all in the forests of Chitral, healthy green trees are being cut by timber contractors in collaboration with local officials of the forest department.

Local members of the timber mafia have smuggled their own timber by mixing it with the stock of Forest Development Corporation (FDC) after allegedly giving kickbacks to the officials concerned.

Ruthless cutting of trees in the garb of marking and windfall along with smuggling of illegal timber by mixing with the timber of FDC has provided an excellent opportunity for a few people to earn a large amount of money at the expense of the local community. The forest in Chitral is depleting. If this pace continues for a few years, Chitral will be converted into barren land and floods will create havoc with the people of the area. There will also be tremendous loss of property.

The people of Chitral appraised the local forest department, regarding the grim situation. But, unfortunately, all of the stakeholders are involved in this lucrative business and have given a free hand to the timber mafia to eliminate entire forest resources of Chitral and also share their income with local stakeholders.

The people of Chitral request international organisations, working for forest and environment, to please come forward and raise their voice against deforestation in Chitral.

Chief Justice Peshawar High Court and opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan are requested to come forward and protect the forests of the area by imposing an immediate ban on cutting and smuggling of timber from Chitral to the rest of the country so that its natural beauty and peaceful environment can be protected from imminent destruction.

MEHMOOD Drosh, Chitral