SINDH was once the land of tall, green and woody trees in forests spread over millions of acres. This was the reason that the climate of the region was mild. History books and travel dairies of Arabs and many other travellers speak of heavy rains in the region.

This also was the opinion of English travellers before 1843 and of workers and officers of the East India Company after Sindh’s occupation.

Alas, the situation today has changed. Long and dense forests have been cut down while forest land has been occupied by powerful people who use it for agricultural purpose.

During the time of Ziaul Haq and the Movement for Restoration of Democracy dacoits and kidnappers took refuge in forests. This led to the cutting of forest trees which were never re-planted.

Summers in Sindh, specially across northern parts, are now hot, the main reason being the cutting of forest trees.

In the past five years, Kyber Pahkhtunkhwa is the only province which has taken action against tree cutting raising forests.

The need of the hour is that we must start planting new trees to combat hot summers. ‘One person, one plant’ can bring back the green and long-range forests.

Musadique Manzoor Kalhoro
Larkana

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2018