WE ourselves are destroying our natural vegetation, the mangrove forests. Besides providing shade for other life forms, the forest has immense benefits other than being a source of timber. Mangrove forests have great importance as they are the home of some 25 species of fish, crabs and shrimps. Then there are the felicaus, flamingoes, kingfishers and six to eight other species of birds such as cranes and ducks that pass by mangroves while migrating to warm climates.

But land grabbers started cutting down the forest for the land about which they carried their own planes. Those who could see the wrong in this were also cut down when they came in the way.

Mangrove forests also serve as a protective shield against cyclones. During floods people have saved themselves by grabbing on to the strong timber trees. But without human support, these trees won’t be able to survive much longer.

But land grabbers are cutting down timber trees and claiming for the land rather than serving those trees. In this regard many people are being punished for choosing green over greed. No doubt, we have the so-called well-meaning environmental NGOs that put up pictures of the slain activists on their websites while seem a silent spectator and very indifferent to the major issue of destruction.

You rarely hear these environmental organisations raising their voices against disappearing mangrove forests or the land grabbers.

It is clear they are only interested in quick devastation of nature so that they are able to get re-plantation projects from donors.

Conservation does not mean letting people cut trees so you can replant them. Good conservation involves protection rather than restoration.

A timber tree takes 10 to 12 years to mature and cutting down even one is a big loss to environment. Giving importance to restoration rather than focusing on protection is like setting up a university where there is hardly any concept of primary education.

Perhaps all know that enthusiastic tree plantation drive was launched by several NGOs here sometimes back, that drive was launched in both Pakistan and India simultaneously.

They said that they were going to plant some 0.45 million saplings in India while here at Keti Bandar our NGOs claimed to have planted 0.55 million saplings. The event was designed to create a big hype as they wanted a mention in the Guiness Book of world Records. But we cannot even find a few of those trees now. All living things need nurturing. Just planting to create records is not good enough.I would like to draw the attention of the Sindh government and authorities concerned to pay heed to this grave issue of cutting down mangrove forests because these forests serve as a feeding ground for many species of birds, sea animals and animals.

Owing to thinning, migratory birds are now dwindling. So, to protect our natural heritance, the authorities concerned should take some drastic steps against land grabbers. Punishment should be given to those who are found involved in cutting down mangrove trees or other trees because forests are the wealth of the nation.

A. FAHEEM HAIDER PATHAN Sukkur