TAXILA: The official forest reserve in Jand’s Jalwal area is facing unprecedented destruction as rare and environment-friendly trees, including phulai, are being felled indiscriminately, allegedly in connivance with local timber mafia and criminal negligence of the forest department.

Locals say the ruthless cutting of trees has turned once lush government-owned jungles into barren lands, directly contributing to environmental degradation, increased soil erosion, and the heightened risk of flash floods that have already wreaked havoc in parts of Jand this season.

“This isn’t just about timber theft, it’s about stealing the air our children breathe,” said Mohammad Ramzan, a resident of Jalwal.

“The government talks about tree-plantion drives while its own forests are being butchered under official noses.”

When contacted, range officer Jand Ijaz Khan said that due to paucity of staff and resources, tree could not be protected from locals as they carried out their illegal activity at midnight. He said that if anyone held red handed, he is punished as per law. Residents have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Secretary Forests to take immediate notice and hold those responsible accountable.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2025