NEILLI (Pajhwok): Residents of central Daikundi province have expressed grave concerns over the ruthless felling of mountain forests by local people.
The cutting of forest trees is happening because of growing poverty, drought and lack of water, they say, urging stringent preventive action.
Ghulam Sakhi Ahmad, hailing from the Qakhoor village of Pato district, noted most of people started cutting trees after a surge in unemployment this year. They use trees as firewood and sell them as well.
He recalled deforestation was happening in the past as well, but the practice sharply rose this year, with area residents chopping mountain trees and using them as kindling or selling them as timber.
Ali Mohammad Akbari, who belongs to Kaiti district, confirmed most of forest trees had been chopped off in recent months, an issue of deep concern for the people.
As locals could not stop deforestation, he suggested, the government should urgently intervene to address the problem.
He warned the drought situation would get worse and greenery would be eradicated if deforestation in the province was not arrested.
Officials, however, say laws preventing deforestation already existed. They promised to bring violators to justice in line with the relevant rules.
Environmental Protection Authority Director Ibrahim Sharifi insisted efforts had been initiated to stop deforestation in Daikundi.
He claimed two areas in Shahristan and Kaiti districts had been protected and nobody was allowed to fell forest trees for meeting personal needs.
In addition, other areas like Agha Hussain and Ghodar in Neili have also been protected. The situation is strictly being monitored.
Due to a human resource shortage, the official said, they did not have personnel in all districts to preserve forests.
nh/mud
Views: 58