Residents, Chitral distt nazim fear de-forestation in Arandu Gol

KP cabinet decision’s fallout

CHITRAL: Despite launching the “Billion Tree Tsunami Project” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the steps taken by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government have resulted in de-forestation in Arandu Gol area of Chitral district.

The sources told The News the government was informed about illegal cutting of thousands of trees in several districts, including Chitral.

They said instead of taking action against the timber mafia for cutting trees the government devised a plan to make arrangements for shifting the timber to the market. The government took the decision on May 5 while the chief minister’s office issued the directives on October 7 to purchase the illegally cut timber from the owners for Rs1,100 per foot.

The sources said the cabinet had prepared a mechanism and directed the Forest Department to collect the timber from the owners in accordance with the cabinet’s directives.Local residents feared Arandu Gol would be denuded of trees if the decision was implemented.

When contacted, District Nazim Maghfirat Shah said he had sent a letter to the provincial government on August 18 and had warned the government of the consequences of the cabinet decision. He deplored that no action was taken on his letter.

The Chitral district nazim said the government issued directives to the Forest Department on November 9 to expedite the collection of timber by January 15. He said the cabinet directive is against the forests the area, adding, it had legalized tree cutting.