Forests in danger of being axed in parts of Balochistan
March 23, 2017
QUETTA: Balochistan’s district Ziarat is well known for its greenery and scenic beauty. The contributing factor to this beauty is none other than the vast expanse of pine trees.
In the province, pine trees have always been in danger from a disease or simply coming under axe. This time around, the trees are in peril as it has emerged that they are in constant threat of being chopped down.
The revelation was brought forth by member provincial assembly and education minister Abdul Raheem. He said that tree-cutting is frequently carried out in Ziarat and its surrounding areas.
He said that in the past, pine trees have been axed in order to utilize them for fuel, adding that lack of preservative measures caused a lot of damage to forests in Balochistan.
The provincial minister said that in order to preserve the pine trees in Balochistan, strict measures are being taken.
He said that despite those measures, the pine trees in Chautar are being cut down as alternatives for fuel aren’t present. He expressed hope that once gas is available in the area, the trees will be saved from going under the axe.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also announced Rs 1 billion for the protection of forests. In Ziarat, there is a plan to form nurseries of pine trees under consideration.
