SWAT: District Magistrate Swat Saleem Jan has took notice over deforestaytion in swat and imposed a complete ban on illegal cutting of forests/trees, use of tree cutter ‘Chain Saw’ in private and protected areas in Swat district.
The magistrate has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code for 60 days. The order states that illegal cutting of forests/trees has been observed in different areas of Swat district on government-protected and private forest land areas.
The order states that Deforestation in these areas is causing an increase in natural disasters/climate change. The order further states that destructive tools like chainsaws are being used for illegal cutting of trees therefore it was necessary to impose a ban.
The order states that there is a need to protect forests on government and private lands and discourage timber mafia to reduce the effects of climate change. The order states that strict action will be taken against the violators under Section 188 PPC.
It is important to note that the temperature of Kalam and Kohistan significantly decreased due to the smuggling of timber and growing deforestation in the area. The tourists have reported significant change in the climate of Kalam and Bahrain where people rushed is being observed in summer season.
If this trend of deforestation were continued at this pace, it would cause huge losses in the shape of climate change, flooding and other natural calamities. There is dire need of timely action to discourage timber mafia in Swat, Buner, Shangla and Kohista.
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