CHANGA Manga is the largest man-made forest in Pakistan. It is spread over 12,560 acres, having a large variety of plants and wild animals. This forest produces one of the finest timbers in the world. Its location is good, which gives people an opportunity to have a relaxed outing in the middle of a forest.

Unfortunately, trees in Changa Manga are being cut illegally for many years and that will ultimately have a negative impact on the environment as well as on the wild inhabitants of the forest. There are many reasons for this problem. Influential political personalities, who do not care about laws, are involved in cutting trees for financial interests.

The lack of security in the forest is another issue. There are no officials to protect the forest and wildlife. Apart from deforestation, owing to illegal hunting, some species may become endangered and extinct soon, which is really not what we need or want.

As the forest does not have a designated entrance, people from all around the forest easily enter and harm any tree or animal. The area needs to be fenced and monitored. Some work in this regard has been initiated, but the pace at which it is moving suggests there is no deadline in place for the project.

There must be relevant laws to protect the forest and its wildlife from influen-tial people who are out to destroy whatever forest cover has been left after massive deforestation across the country.

The people at the helm of national affairs, especially those who are responsible for protecting forests and wildlife, must take action to save Changa Manga by deploying security staff and expediting the fencing project.

Saira Mushtaq
Ellah Abad

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2023