I RECENTLY saw a video on social media in which a gentleman was requesting the government to take strict action against the timber mafia in Anakar valley. As could be seen in the video, at some point between the valley and Janshai meadow, the mafia had brought down dozens of trees and had vacated half of that particular area.

I find it ironic that the appeal was being made to the same government which is initiating Billion Tree Afforestation project (BTAP) in Swat valley.

Before initiating such projects, the government needs to take strict action against the mafia which is destroying what is already there. Obviously, the mafia cannot do such things without having colluded with someone in a position of authority.

Abdul Basit
Takht Bhai

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2021