LAYYAH: Deforestation is on the rise as illegal felling of trees allegedly with the abetment of forest officials continues in the district.

The Thal Development Authority had earmarked thousands of acres in 1952 to cultivate forests. Three manmade forests were established on 34,701 acres, including Inayat forest range (10,434 acres), Machhu (10,223 acres), and Rajan Shah (5,214 acres) along with 1,273 acres of shelter greenbelts and 7,556 acres earmarked for plantation in each chak for cattle and grazing. “These forests reduced the intensity of dust storms in the region,” said forester Ghulam Fareed.

“A few days back, a forest guard and a block officer sold four Shisham (Dalbergia Sissoo) trees for Rs600,00 from Basant Minor distributary,” alleged local journalist Mumtaz Khan. “Locals reported the matter to Chowk Azam police but they failed to take any action against the culprits.”

“Illegal cutting of trees was rare till the 70s as forest officials were vigilant and honest. To check this practice and theft of trees, Chowk Azam police was established in 1973. In the 80s, the practice became a proper business as timber mafia joined hands with forest officials. Saw machines were installed adjacent or within the forests for woodcutting as trees were abundantly available,” Fareed added.

“Another negligence of forest officials was that land was not utilised for new plantation after trees were felled from there. Deforestation has worsened the already fragile environment and ecosystem as many plant species, birds and animals, especially rabbits, pigs and deer have disappeared,” said Ikram Mirani, a local environmentalist.

“All over the world, to curb environmental pollution, tree is the suggested solution by scientists as an adult tree cools environment with the same effect as a two-tonne air-conditioner,” said environmentalist Mushab Qureshi.

District Forest Officer Tariq Mehmood maintained that he had taken charge of his post a month ago and launched a special drive against illegal cutting of trees. “I have zero tolerance against the officials who are involved in the theft of trees” he claimed.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2017