Ruthless tree felling affecting ecosystem in Galiyat

ABBOTTABAD: The indiscriminate cutting of trees is leading to the depletion of the ecosystem and the loss of the associated biodiversity in Galiyat including Thandiani.

The delicate balance between flora and fauna in the region is now at risk due to the reckless actions undertaken in the name of forest management.

Environmentalists and citizens have been raising their voices against these destructive practices, urging the authorities to reconsider their approach. They emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy and thriving ecosystem, not only for environmental sustainability but also for the overall well-being of the region’s inhabitants.

Galiyat Tahaffuz Movement (GTM), a civil society representative organisation, has expressed concern over the cutting of trees in Nathiagali and Thandiani and has decided to seek legal remedy.

GTM Chairman Sardar Muhammad Sabir told the media that a tree removing campaign was being done in the name of ‘woodlot policy,’ which was devastating the ecosystem.

He claimed that under the guise of the management practices, widespread forest cutting is underway, depleting ecosystem and associated biodiversity

“In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that extensive tree cutting is taking place in the Gallies Forest division of Abbottabad and the entire Hazara Forest region. This rampant deforestation is being conducted under the pretext of scientific forest management, where trees are supposedly being removed due to being dead, diseased, or dried,” he said, adding that the negative impacts of such removal were being ignored.

Sardar Sabir said that authorities responsible for the forest management initiated a tree removing campaign, which they have named the woodlot policy to enhance the forest cover.

“Unfortunately, this campaign has turned into a devastating operation, causing irreparable harm to the private habitat and ecosystems in the area,” he said.

He argued that so-called scientific forest management practices have become a lame excuse for widespread deforestation. He said that the legal team of GTM will challenge the deforestation in Galiyat in the high court.

The Hazara Forest region, known for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, is facing an imminent threat from this destructive activity. The once vibrant landscapes are now turning into barren patches of land, devoid of life. “The impact on wildlife is devastating, as they are losing their natural habitats, food sources, and breeding grounds due to the extensive tree cutting,” he added.

“It is worrisome to note that while these actions are being carried out under the guise of improvement, the true intentions seem to be driven by commercial gains. There are reports of illegal logging and timber smuggling taking place under the guise of forest management practices. This further adds to the questionable motives behind the ongoing deforestation, by leaving the environment and the local communities vulnerable,” he further said.

He said that woodlot activities in Thandiani resulted in extensive damage in adjacent reserve forest. When contacted, the divisional forest officer said that he had imposed a fine on the contractor to curb the useless felling of trees.