KARACHI:
For the past three days, forest fires have been ravaging many parts of Turkey. High temperatures and winds have spread these wildfires to more than 70 locations. They have now reached neighbouring Greece as well. Thousands of animals have been killed, pine forests have been destroyed, and hundreds of citizens currently remain displaced.
Turkey has requested help from all countries to combat these fires since planes, helicopters and drones are required to control the blaze. Besides offering help to Turkey, Pakistan should also be attentive to the possibility of forest fire in their own backyard and prepare accordingly since global warming continues to rapidly exacerbate. Although Pakistan has a small forest cover, over the years the Billion Tree Tsunami project might help to increase it. With climate change resulting in extreme temperatures around the world, the weather is likely to become warmer. Therefore, it is necessary that Pakistan plan ahead in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.
One long-term solution would be to construct multiple artificial canals from the highest point to the lowest points of forests across the country. The highest point of the canal can be connected to a water supply pipeline that can bring water from a nearby reservoir. In an unlikely event that a fire does emerge, water can be pumped into the canal to help reduce the intensity of the fire and create barriers between regions. Water can also be pumped to increase humidity and reduce the chances of forest fires. Rainwater will also drag loose leaves and wood from the forest, which can be collected at the canal ends. This will help keep the forest clear of kindle while conserving rainwater at the same time. The government should also reform and strengthen the forest department to perform different tasks.
Shahryar Khan Baseer
Peshawar
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2021.
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