KARACHI:
The local police in Paban Sharif at Sheikh Bharkio road located some 15-20 kilometres away from Hyderabad have been actively cutting trees along the road. Many of these are decades-old trees that have provided local villagers with much-needed cover from the sun during the summer. The trees also help keep the temperatures moderate during heat waves.
After the floods last year, both federal and provincial governments made many promises regarding climate change and environmental protection. However, they have taken little action to address climate and environmental challenges. Deforestation and erasure of mangrove forests are raising the risks of heat waves, air pollution, and flooding. Instead of acting against anti-environmental practices, the authorities are involved in them.
The provincial and municipal authorities should take note of the issue and urge local police to avoid cutting trees. Considering that Sindh has already lost 50% of its forest cover, the authorities should protect the existing trees and carry out afforestation drives to protect the environment and reduce the risks of climate catastrophes.
Atif Mallah
Khairpur Nathan Shah
Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2023.
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