Chichawatni forests at risk of destruction

Plantation was started with construction of canal over 100 years ago

CHICHAWATNI:

Chichawatni Forest Division, the second-largest planted forest in Pakistan, regrettably, is at the risk of devastation due to the negligence of the authorities.

The total area of the forest is 11,521 acres, which is divided intonation six administrative blocks.

Planting of trees in the man-made forest began with the construction of the Lower Bari Doab Canal in 1914.

The main purpose of afforestation was to produce coal for railway steam locomotives.

Sheesham and keekar trees were the best source of coal. For this purpose, the trees of these types were cultivated over a large area of the forest.

To enhance the usefulness of the forest, a large number of other useful trees of warm areas were also planted in large numbers.

Several of these plants are also used in medicines due to their properties.

Two distributaries, named 12/AL and 13/L were constructed to supply water to the forest. The two distributaries supply 35 and 118 cusecs of water yo the forest. can be obtained.

For decades, both the artificial forests of Changa Manga and Chichawatni were a major source of coal for railway engines and wood for roofs, doors, furniture and baskets, as well as fuel for domestic use.

Moreover, these forests have played an important role in promoting wildlife and reducing pollution.

Rosewood and acacia trees are termed most suitable for making durable furniture, while mulberry wood is most suitable for baskets.

The Express Tribune learned that hundreds of families were employed in activities generated by the forest. About a decade and a half later, when the plants became fully grown trees, another benefit of the forests came in the form of honey.

Since the shade of dense trees provides a pleasant environment for the breeding of the large and small bees, they migrate to the forests to protect themselves from the scorching heat during the summer. Tonnes of pure honey are obtained every year from the forests.

Unfortunately, as a result of mismanagement of the forest department, the forest of Chichawatni is at the risk of destruction.

Valuable trees are gradually becoming extinct due to unfavorable weather conditions. At the same time, the junior staff as well as senior officers appear unmoved as the timber mafia engages in massive theft of trees, thus destroying the forest.

In a large area of the forest, plants that are not as beneficial are being planted to replace the stolen trees, due to which the survival of the wildlife is also in grave danger.

Talking to The Express Tribune, local social activists Iftikhar Ahmad Chaudhry, Syed Altaf Shah and Meher Liaqat Kathia said the elected representatives and the staff of the forest department are equally guilty of negligence in the protection of the valuable asset.

Earlier, the forest was a source of recreation for local people in addition to its other benefits.

Less than 30% of useful and valuable trees have been left in the forest.

However, the divisional forest officer of Chichawatni denied allegations of corruption in the department. “After my appointment, I have planted all kinds of plants as per the previous tradition, which is a positive step towards the restoration of this heritage.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2020.