THIS refers to the illegal occupation of what was once the lush green forest of Gaji Bello, comprising hundreds of acres of land that are Chokri numbers 33, 34, 35.

These lands are illegally occupied by landgrabbers who have set their abodes on it and are using it for personal purposes. Some parts along the road are sold at high prices, but the forest department is silent. When asked to take action against the illegal occupation, the forest officer, Dokri, usually replies that he has no power to remove them.

This forest had big trees which would provide shelter to and was a sanctuary for birds and wild animals. It had watercourses during British rule but now all have been destroyed. The local people would get firewood and honey but deforestation has snatched these resources from them. On the other hand, the temperature of the area has also increased compared to other parts of the province.

The elected representatives are also silent and involved in settling disputes between landgrabbers on the issue of the distribution of land. The Sindh chief minister should stop the destruction of this forest and take action against the forest department officials who are involved.

Allah Warayo

Larkana

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2018