People demand end to deforestation

MANSEHRA: The people of Kaghan valley have asked the government to curb deforestation in Jarad and its adjoining forests.

“We also met Forest Department officials regarding the unabated deforestation but no to avail,” Mohammad Fiaz, a resident of the valley, told reporters here on Sunday. A group of people from Kaghan valley, led by Fiaz, said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf governments at the centre and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted to bring more land under forests but situation on the ground was contradictory to it. “The timber smugglers are involved in chopping off deodar, biar and pine trees and saw machines installed near forests by furniture makers are evidence to our claims but the forest department officials are quiet on the illegal timber business,” he said. Fiaz said the government should constitute a committee to probe the illegal and large-scale cutting of trees in Jarad and other forests in Kaghan valley. “If the government doesn’t initiate probe against illegal cutting in Kaghan valley, which is known for its natural beauty, we will take to the streets,” he said.