KARACHI:
Changa Manga is a wildlife preserve in Punjab and is the largest man-made forest in Pakistan. It is approximately 12,510 acres with a variety of trees, plants, and animals. The forest supplies one of the finest timbers in the world. Today, it serves as a sanctuary for peace and beauty.
However, for the last many years, people have been illegally cutting trees in the forest. A lack of government regulation and the absence of guards have allowed people to carry out deforestation unabated. People also hunt the animals in the forest threatening the wildlife population. The country has already lost many endangered species due to few laws and regulations on wildlife protection.
Pakistan already lacks forest cover and faces many environmental threats. An increase in deforestation will not only affect wildlife but raise several other issues. Therefore, the relevant authorities must take notice of the problem and implement strict laws to protect the forest and wildlife. Security guards must be deployed to prevent people from carrying out illegal activities at Changa Manga as well as other forests in the country. Everyone needs to act responsibly and avoid harming the environment.
Saira Mushtaq
Ellah Abad
Published in The Express Tribune, May 10th, 2023.
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