Rampant theft, arson threaten forest

Suspects set forest on fire, causing harm to local wildlife

KOT ADDU:

The historically significant Lashariwala forest has fallen prey to the lawlessness of wood and reed thieves, who have resorted to setting ablaze hundreds of acres of land in a bid to cover up their illicit activities, including the illegal hunting of rare animals and birds.

A wildlife inspector has filed a case against the perpetrators, shedding light on the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Reports indicate that the revered Game Sangchari Lashariwala Forest, nestled near the Indus River Head at Taunsa Barrage, is facing rampant exploitation, with valuable wood and reeds being clandestinely harvested and sold.

The forest, spanning thousands of acres, has become a haven for poachers, resulting in the rapid depletion of ancient trees and reeds, and exacerbating air pollution due to a lack of reforestation efforts.

During a routine patrol in Mauza Faqirwali, Wildlife Inspector Ghulam Akbar and his team intercepted a group of individuals, including Muhammad Bilal Sindhi, Afzal Shaikh, and Saifullah Gadi, who were caught in the act of illicitly cutting wood and reeds worth millions of rupees.

Despite their attempts to evade capture by crossing the river, the perpetrators abandoned their loot, leaving behind evidence of their illegal activities across six to seven acres of land.

In a separate incident, Khadim Hussain Gadi, Abdul Malik Gadi, and Ghulam Abbas Gadi, accompanied by three unidentified accomplices, were found guilty of cutting wood and reeds spanning two to three Murabba in Mauza Lomarwala.

To conceal their misdeeds, they resorted to setting fire to the area, causing significant harm to the local wildlife. Saddar police station has taken cognizance of the matter and registered a case based on the complaint filed by Wildlife Inspector Ghulam Akbar.

The escalating incidents of theft and arson underscore the urgent need for robust conservation efforts to protect the ecological and cultural heritage of Lashariwala forest.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2024.