Dir residents face shortage of firewood in winter

DIR: The residents of Dir city and its adjacent localities are facing extreme difficulties in keeping themselves warm in the cold weather owing to the severe shortage of firewood in Dir town as its transportation has been banned.

Most of the wood godowns in the area are empty. The godown owners claimed that big amount of the firewood was ready to be shifted to Dir, but they

were not being allowed to bring it to Dir, creating problems for residents of Dir city and its adjacent areas.

The people of Upper Dir use firewood to keep themselves warm in the winter season.

Shahabuddin, a barber by profession, said that they were facing extreme difficulties due to shortage of firewood because people came to his salon to have a bath, but they are disappointed when they do not get warm water.

Quoting owners of godowns, the barber said that about 15 to 20 vehicles loaded with his firewood were parked in various places but these were not being allowed by the authorities to be transported to Dir.

Many residents said the wood godown owners have intentionally created the shortage to increase its prices.

When contacted, Upper Dir Deputy Commissioner Khalid Iqbal Khattak said that he had taken up the issue with district forest officer and he was told that there was no ban on transportation of firewood.

However, the ban has been imposed on its transportation from Upper Dir to other districts.

The official said the godown owners would not face any problem in the transportation of firewood of oak tree to Dir, adding that the dealers approach his office in case of any problem.