Forest fires ravage Kaghan Valley
A blaze lights up the forests of Bhonja Valley in Balakot, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. PHOTO: ZULFIQAR ALI/EXPRESS
The forests of Kaghan Forest Division are facing a severe threat as wildfires continue to wreak havoc, negatively impacting birds, wild animals, trees, and plants.
The resulting smoke has polluted the valley’s environment, posing a significant challenge for both the ecosystem and local communities.
Despite annual occurrences of forest fires, the forest department has struggled to implement effective measures to control and prevent these incidents, prompting calls from locals for urgent government intervention.
The irony is that on one hand, the forest department avoids issuing permits for the use of green trees for construction and dry windfalls, while on the other hand, no attention is being paid to the damage caused by the wildfire.
Every year, the recurring forest fires in the scenic Kaghan Valley not only harm the saplings but also lead to the extinction of the rare bird species in the region. Apart from causing damage to the forests and wildlife, these fires have also damaged several human settlements in the past.
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The rising clouds of smoke from the fires have further degraded the air quality throughout the valley, with visible dust and smoke lingering in the atmosphere. Citizens have demanded the provincial government take notice of the fires that occur every year to protect the forests and wildlife.
Talking to The Express Tribune, the locals said the region witnesses mysterious fires annually, impacting the lush greenery that attracts both visitors and diverse bird species. Residents living in proximity to these forests often find their homes in the line of fire.
When contacted, Divisional Forest Officer Rizwan Shah said, the forest department was actively engaged in the firefighting efforts. “The department has mobilised staff and forest guards to control the fires,” he said.
The preservation of Kaghan Valley’s natural beauty requires a collaborative effort between the government, local communities, and environmental organisations. Only through a united front can the region hope to overcome the challenges posed by recurring wildfires and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for Balakot’s ecological landscape.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2024.